Lisa sat across from Charlie, feigning calm as she watched him toy with his fork, eyes narrowed in thought. It was supposed to be a casual late-night snack run to the diner—something they'd done dozens of times. But tonight, there was an edge to his gaze that unsettled her.
So… you've been spending a lot of time with Liam, Charlie said, keeping his tone light, though his eyes were sharper than usual.
Lisa tried to smile, but it felt forced. Yeah, he's… complicated. Needs some extra support, you know?
Charlie nodded, setting his fork down with a soft clink. Support. Sure. It's just… He hesitated, then leaned in a little closer. Lisa, where exactly did he come from?
Lisa's heart skipped a beat. She'd been dreading this moment, knowing that Charlie wouldn't just sit back and let things go unexplored. Still, she hadn't anticipated it would come up so soon. He's… been through a lot, she said, trying to keep her voice even. Lost a lot of his memory, doesn't remember much from before… before here.
That's what I don't get, though. You don't just lose your memory like that. Charlie's expression grew thoughtful, his eyes searching her face for answers. "And the way he acts sometimes—it's like he's not quite… all there.
Lisa bit her lip, trying to suppress the nerves tightening in her chest. Charlie was sharp, always had been. It was one of the things she liked about him—usually. But now, it felt like he was peeling away layers she couldn't let him see. It's complicated, Charlie. He's… fragile. I don't think he even knows what happened to him.
Charlie watched her intently, an unreadable expression crossing his face. But do you know, Lisa? Do you know more than you're telling me?
Her throat went dry. Charlie, why are you pushing this so hard? I told you, Liam needs help. It's not like there's some big secret.
He raised an eyebrow, and she could sense the doubt etched into his features. Because something doesn't add up. He just… showed up one day, like a ghost. And you… you're acting weird, Lisa. Dodging questions, keeping things vague.
Lisa laughed, though it sounded hollow even to her own ears. You're reading too much into this. It's not some conspiracy.
But Charlie wasn't convinced. He leaned back, crossing his arms. Is that so? Because when I look at him… I don't know, there's just something off.
A nervous chill ran down Lisa's spine. She forced herself to keep a casual demeanor, but inside, her mind was racing. Charlie was treading too close to things he couldn't understand. If she told him the truth—or even hinted at it—she knew it could destroy not only his perception of her but also any fragile trust Liam had placed in her.
Look, she said carefully, Liam's had a rough past. Some things just aren't easy to explain, and they're even harder to understand when you're on the outside. I think the best thing you can do is… just give him space.
Charlie's eyes searched hers for a moment, as though he could unearth the answers he wanted if he looked hard enough. I want to trust you, Lisa. But you have to admit, this doesn't make sense. You've never been one to hide things from me before.
Lisa swallowed, glancing away for a second, struggling to keep her emotions in check. I know, Charlie. And I'm sorry if it feels that way. But sometimes… sometimes things are bigger than they seem. It's not always simple.
There was a heavy silence, the air thick with tension as he stared at her. Finally, he let out a sigh, seeming to soften. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Or… involved in something you can't handle.
His words hit harder than she expected, and for a moment, she felt an overwhelming desire to let everything spill out, to unload the weight of all she'd been carrying. But she knew that doing so would only drag him into her mess, and she couldn't risk that.
I'm fine, Charlie. Really, she said, trying to give him a reassuring smile. I just need you to trust me on this.
He nodded slowly, though his expression remained troubled. Fine. But if anything happens… anything at all, you tell me. Got it?
Got it, she replied, grateful that, for now, he was willing to let things lie. But as they sat in silence, an unspoken understanding settled between them—one that she knew would haunt her until the truth finally came to light.