I took my girlfriend to a fancy dinner for our anniversary.

like a witness who had decided not to leave until the whole thing was over.

“But I’m used to leaving places quietly,” Ava said. “Even when I’m hurt.”

I understood that more than she knew.

“Then maybe tonight counts as practice.”

She smiled faintly.

“Practice for what?”

“For not handing people your silence just because they expect it.”

She leaned into me then,continue reading …