Chapter 231

Chris's POV

Walking in, I was hit by the scent of paint with an underlying hum of conversation. It had become a haven for Megan and me to burrow ourselves away from the cacophony of demands that life throws our way. Today, though, it felt very different. The air vibrated with tension, flavored by unresolved feelings.

Megan was already there, standing in front of a large canvas, her brow furrowed in concentration. Her hands moved with practiced facility, mixing colors and strokes that spoke of depths I was still coming to know in her. I watched her for a moment, admiring her strength and grace, before stepping forward.

"Hey," I said softly, not wanting to break her focus.

She nodded, still smiling, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Hey, Chris. How was your day?"

"Busy," I said, walking over to survey her work. "But my writing went pretty well. How about you?"

She let out a heavy sigh and dropped the brush to the ground. "It's been…