Chapter 94

I checked my phone and saw it was just past 3:00 a.m. I didn't want to wake up Lyla, so I grabbed a blanket from the closet and decided to go outside for a bit. The night air was warmer than I expected. The stars looked amazing, much clearer and brighter than what one would see in the city. I sat down on the deck, enjoying the view. Then, I heard a door open and saw Ethan coming out and walking over to the railing. He was still wearing the same clothes as earlier, and there was something lonely about him as he stood there in the dark. I thought it was funny to think he could feel lonely. Ethan had always been in the spotlight. How could he possibly be lonely? Just as I was about to go back inside, I saw Ethan take out a pack of cigarettes. He lit one and took a few puffs. I watched the smoke drift up as he smoked. When did Ethan start smoking? I remembered he used to dislike smoking and that none of his friends smoked either. When Ethan turned and saw me, it felt like I'd been