The air between us holds a certain weight, an unspoken tension that hangs in the stillness of the room. “Hey, are you going home to Chicago for Thanksgiving?” I venture, my tone casual but carrying a hidden hope that he isn’t.
He considers for a moment, head tilting slightly. “Not sure about that. How can I leave with everything that’s going on right here?” There’s a gravity in his voice, echoing my own concerns.
“You think you can do something about it by staying? We don’t even know what we’re actually up against,” I scoff. “I’m going home… even for just a day. But are you really staying?”
“I’d rather be where I’m needed. And that’s not Chicago. I’m guessing your dad wants you to be there for the holidays, huh?” he inquires, sensing the undertones in my question.