The screen flickered to life, revealing Jared seated at their dining table, his plate of lunch in front of him. His expression was unreadable, a neutral mask that gave away nothing of his thoughts. Jerica blinked, her confusion growing. Was this his way of subtly letting her know he was still home, keeping his promise not to wander off alone? A passive-aggressive reassurance, perhaps?
She hesitated, waiting for him to speak. But he didn't. Instead, he picked up his fork and began to eat, his eyes occasionally flicking to the screen as if silently asking, Are you eating too?
Jerica sighed softly, her earlier irritation melting into something gentler. There was no need for words, apparently. His silent gesture brought a strange sense of comfort, like a truce offered without a formal declaration. Her appetite, which had fled moments earlier, returned. She unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite, matching his pace as they shared a quiet, virtual meal.
