The tension in Carmen's posture hadn't eased since the confrontation with her mother. Even as Ciara's attempts at humor lightened the mood for a moment, I could feel the anger simmering beneath Carmen's calm facade.
She sat beside me on the couch, her arms crossed and her jaw clenched, staring off into space as if replaying the argument over and over in her mind.
I hated seeing her like this. Carmen was fierce, yes, but she was also warm and kind when she let her guard down.
Moments like this reminded me how deeply she carried the weight of her family's expectations—and their betrayals.
Reaching over, I slipped my hand into hers. Her fingers twitched slightly at the contact, but she didn't pull away. "You okay?" I asked softly.
Her eyes flicked to mine, and for a moment, I saw the vulnerability she worked so hard to hide. "I'm fine," she said, but her voice lacked conviction.
"Liar," I teased gently, squeezing her hand.