Chapter 72: Hey Carmen

"We could go to that park nearby. The one with the fountain. It's usually pretty quiet at this time."

I nodded, still searching her eyes, trying to read the thoughts she was so desperately trying to hide. "Sure, that sounds nice."

Carmen grabbed her jacket, eager to get out of the house and away from this suffocating tension. "Great, let's go," she said, her voice a little too enthusiastic, almost like she was trying to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince me.

The air outside was cool and refreshing as we made our way to the park. The night was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. The silence between us was thick with unspoken words, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It felt like a pause, a moment to gather our thoughts.