บท 43: Chapter forty three

Madisyn and Ethan exchanged a brief, knowing glance, but Gabriela was too engrossed in her sandwich to notice, the soft hum of approval escaping her lips between bites. She savored the meal with closed eyes, as if the rich flavors of the deli meats and melted cheese transported her somewhere far more peaceful. Blissfully unaware of the silent exchange between her friends, she remained in her little culinary world.

"Did you order anything?" Madisyn asked, her voice soft but insistent, as she turned her gaze back to Ethan. She cocked her head slightly, her wavy hair cascading down to brush the edge of the table.

"I will once I finish this," he replied, nodding toward the glowing laptop screen in front of him. His fingers tapped idly against the wooden tabletop, producing a faint rhythm as though he was hoping it would spark the inspiration he needed. "I have to write an article for a magazine about the Sprinterz company and their upcoming projects."