Samuel pulled the car to the side of the road, his fingers tightening around his phone as he raised it to his ear. His voice was low, soft. "I'm sorry for missing dinner again, Zinnia. Work pulled me in. Have you already eaten?"
Zinnia glanced down at the empty table, where a simple place setting lay in front of her. She hadn't touched it, waiting for him. "Not yet," she replied, a slight pause before she added, "I was just about to. Will you be home soon?"
Leaning back in his seat, Samuel rubbed his eyes, the day's tension evident in the lines of his face. "Yes, I'm on my way. But don't wait up for me. Go ahead and eat if you're hungry."
Her voice came back over the line, gentle yet firm. "I'll cook something. I'll wait. Just… drive safe, okay?"
He felt a pang in his chest at her words. She worried about him, more than he deserved. "Thanks, Zinnia," he said softly. "I'll be home soon."
