CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR - THE TRUTH WE SEEK

  .. Leon's gaze remained fixed on his plate, pushing food around without any real intention of eating. Nia cleared her throat softly. "Leon, is everything alright?" He glanced up, offering a wan smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Just a bit tired from work." Nia hesitated, then reached across the table to place her hand over his. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" Leon's shoulders sagged, the carefully constructed facade crumbling. He set down his fork with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Nia. I haven't been very good company lately, have I?" "I'm not worried about that," Nia assured him. "I'm worried about you." For a long moment, Leon was silent, his internal struggle visible in the tightness around his eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's almost the anniversary of Kyra's death." Understanding dawned on Nia, bringing with it a wave of guilt that threatened to drown her. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to focus on Leon.