The quiet was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Esme turned, her eyes landing on Ryan as he stepped onto the balcony. He was wearing a familiar nightgown, its panda pattern a quiet, comforting reminder of simpler moments amidst the tension that lingered in the air.
Ryan paused, nodding at her in silent acknowledgment. Esme returned the nod, her gaze softening for a moment. She shifted slightly, allowing him to join her in the quiet of the night.
Ryan's voice was soft but edged with a seriousness that made Esme look up. "You don't ever say that you smoke when I'm sitting with you," he said, eyes trained on the night sky, his gaze faraway and thoughtful.
Esme snickered and pressed her cigarette into an empty beer can beside her. "Stopped long ago," she replied, her voice light but layered with something deeper. "But sometimes… sometimes it's just needed."
