A GLASS OF WHISKEY

My mind was spinning as I walked out of the diner with Jason. I had tried to shake off the nagging worry from the text message, but it lingered like an unwelcome shadow.

My thoughts were scattered, and the weight of the unknown mailer’s threat was becoming more suffocating by the minute.

Jason seemed to notice my unease as we approached his car. “Hey, are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. “You look pretty shaken up.”

I forced a smile, trying to mask my anxiety. “It’s nothing. I just… need to go home.”

Jason didn’t press further. Instead, he nodded understandingly. “No problem. I can give you a ride.”

I appreciated his offer, though I was torn between feeling grateful and guilty for cutting our evening short.

As we drove through the quiet streets, I stared out the window, my thoughts a chaotic mess of worry and frustration. The steady hum of the car’s engine did little to calm the storm inside me.

When we finally reached my house, I felt a wave of relief mixed with app