As Marilena rejoins the table, the atmosphere seems lighter, the weight of earlier tensions lifting like a fog. Richard and Vanessa are engaged in conversation, their voices low and earnest as they discuss lighter topics, perhaps intentionally steering away from the complexities of their current situation.
Marilena offers a small smile as she settles back into her seat, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. For now, at least, the storm seems to have passed, replaced by a calm before the next inevitable wave.
"Sorry about that," she says, addressing Richard and Vanessa. "Let's get back to what we were talking about."
Vanessa nods, a grateful expression on her face. "Yeah, it's nice to have a distraction," she admits, her gaze flickering briefly to Marilena before returning to Richard.
