Little girl

They locked eyes for what felt like an eternity, caught in a silent standoff. No one willing to yield, a tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, at last, David shattered the stillness.

"You take the plate; I'll grab the second one," David declared, breaking the deadlock. Rowan mumbled a thank-you, almost drowned by the quiet air. She inched the plate closer, savoring each bite as David began to eat, both immersed in the meal. Not a word passed between them, the taste of the food seemingly eclipsing any need for conversation.

Just as the tranquility settled, Rowan's phone erupted in a series of insistent vibrations. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was Rolland calling. The temptation to answer tugged at her, but the last person she wanted to disclose her meeting with David to was Rolland. Silencing the call, she decided against picking up.

"Ring!!!! Ring!!!!! Ring!!!" The persistent buzzing continued, Rowan swiftly muting the phone again. If she answered, Rolland would hound