SECOND TIME COMING

"You can't sell dreams to someone who has nightmares."

-Unknown

Sitting around the dining table, Catherine is engrossed in a lively discussion that only she seems to be partaking in herself. She did not sense the rising tension that was still steadily intensifying between her husband and me. Camille did not make the situation any easier; she sits entranced by her smartphone, avoiding any eye contact with me. I shift uncomfortably, and maintaining a small smile on my face was becoming difficult. What am I doing here? This is crazy; I should have said no to lunch.

I find myself becoming increasingly tense. Although I avoid looking at his general direction, Kyle keeps a strong steady gaze at my direction.I have to ease this atmosphere that seems to have settled over this room I muster up the courage to speak to the thirteen-year-old girl in front of me. She is less of a formidable opponent than her father.