Turn away

Ethan turns away.

Layla makes a sound, something akin to a sigh and a whimper, the exhale feeling like an ocean crushing her. “I… I see.” She stands up, Ethan hearing the sound of her adjusting her dress. “I, umm, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Ethan glances back at her, only enough to offer a modicum of reassurance. “It’s not you.”

“Oh, Ethan,” she sighs. “Of course it is.”

He barely looks up as she makes her way to the door, or when he hears her putting on her shoes. He only glances over slightly when she opens it, hearing her not exit right away.

“If you have questions about…” she sighs. “Charlie would be able to tell you more.”

She exits the house, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.