"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern.
"This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere."
Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied.
"I'm just doing my job...
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***A Day of Simple Pleasures***
It had been nearly three weeks since they all had gathered for dinner at Alex's house. Three weeks of silence, reflection, and distance. Three weeks in which Alex and Amy had not been in contact, a gap that had started to feel like an abyss.
The longing to reconnect, however, became too powerful, and Marcus, sensing the growing strain among his friends, decided to host a gathering.
Upon arrival, Alex, Amy, Marcus, Isabella, and her children were initially reserved, the echoes of their last meeting still lingering. Marcus's spacious living room, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee, was both a comforting and challenging environment.
As they settled in, Marcus took charge, ensuring that everyone had a drink and was feeling at home.
"So, friends, I thought we needed some time together. To relax, to be ourselves again."
Alex looked up, nodding appreciatively at Marcus. His gaze drifted to Amy, catching her eye for just a moment. She smiled back, a mix of warmth and uncertainty in her eyes.
Isabella's children, Timmy and Vanessa, were busy drawing at the corner table. Amy's eyes twinkled as she watched them, their innocence a welcome distraction.
"Can I join you?" she asked the kids, her voice cheerful.
"Of course!" Timmy exclaimed, his face lighting up. Vanessa giggled, nodding her agreement.
As Amy sat down and began to draw with them, the rest of the room watched, captivated by her ease and joy with the children. Alex's heart swelled as he observed her, a pang of longing striking him.
Marcus noticed Alex's attention and nudged him, whispering, "She's something, isn't she?"
Alex's eyes lingered on Amy for a moment longer before he turned to Marcus, his expression inscrutable but his voice betraying a hint of warmth.
"She always has been."
Isabella joined in their conversation, "Amy has a way with children. They adore her."
Marcus grinned, "And not only children, it seems."
Alex simply smiled, his face giving nothing away, but the softness in his eyes spoke volumes. The conversation continued, but his thoughts remained with Amy, a mixture of longing and reserve swirling within him.
The day wore on, filled with laughter, memories, and the comforting feeling of old friendships. They shared stories, played games, and even danced to some of Marcus's favourite records.
The idea for a "day off" soon emerged, a collective desire to escape the complexities of their lives for a brief moment. The planning was filled with enthusiasm, with each person contributing ideas and excitement.
