CRACKS IN THE MIRROR

The kettle screamed, but Rhea didn't move.

She was staring at the same spot on the wall she'd been staring at for the past ten minutes — not really seeing it. Her mind was with Leon. Or more specifically, with that one moment days ago when she'd gone to him for help.

He had slammed the door in her face.

Dismissed her like she didn't matter.

But something in his eyes…

He had doubted. She saw it.

He didn't believe her then. So why was he playing along now?

The front door clicked open. Soft. Hesitant.

Celeste stepped in.

Her makeup was barely smudged, her dress still neat — but she looked tired, like she'd spent the entire evening pretending to be someone else.

Rhea turned off the gas and called out lightly, "How was it?"

Celeste didn't answer right away. She just slipped off her shoes and hovered in the doorway like she wasn't sure she belonged.

Then quietly: "Leon took me to the bookshop."

Rhea wiped her hands on a towel, her tone even. "Your favorite, right?"

Celeste nodded. "That's what he said."

Rhea watched her. Waited.

Then Celeste spoke again, softer this time. "But nothing there felt familiar."

Rhea forced a smile. "Memories come back slowly. You know that."

Celeste moved to the couch and sat down like her bones ached. She didn't meet Rhea's eyes.

"Do you think…" she began, pausing. "Do you think Leon's changed?"

Rhea blinked. "What do you mean?"

"He's quiet. Careful. Like I'm fragile. Or like he's waiting for something. Watching for something."

Rhea's stomach tightened. "That's just Leon. You remember — he's always been guarded."

Celeste shook her head. "No. This is different."

She looked up, searching Rhea's face.

"He's planning something."

Rhea didn't blink. "Like what?"

"He said he has something special planned for my birthday. Something private."

Rhea's lips thinned. The cruise.

"And you're worried?"

Celeste hesitated. "No. I mean… yes. I don't know. It just… felt like a goodbye."

Rhea stepped closer. "He wouldn't do that. He cares about you. Everyone knows how much you meant to him."

Celeste's voice cracked. "Then why do I feel like I'm losing him before I ever got the chance to have him?"

Rhea crouched beside her, taking her hands gently. "You're not losing anyone, okay? This is just stress. Birthday nerves. He's probably just trying to surprise you."

But her own voice sounded wrong — too rehearsed, too eager.

And deep inside, something told her:

Leon knew.

And he was getting ready to walk away.