It was true they rarely argued, but they rarely laughed together now either. Joy became practical, muted. Even humor felt cautious. She missed the easy laughter they once shared, wondering when it had faded, and whether it had left quietly or been dismissed as unnecessary, childish, or expendable in their adult responsibilities.
Indifference wore the mask of peace. That phrase surfaced unexpectedly, unsettling her. It explained the comfort without closeness, the politeness without warmth. Nothing was wrong, yet nothing felt right. The absence of pain had disguised the absence of care. She wondered when they had stopped reaching for each other.