SILICON AND SILK

Shifting tides

Lucas closed the door after Emma walked in, the tension in the room palpable. He had not expected to see her after all these years. He turned to her, his expression a mixture of curiosity and caution.

- What brings you here, Emma? It's been years - Lucas said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Emma smiled, though there was something tired behind her eyes. She moved further into the apartment, looking around briefly before meeting Lucas's gaze.

- I know, I know. I wasn't sure if I should come, but I needed to see you - she said, her voice soft, almost fragile. - Things haven't been easy for me lately, and I thought... maybe I could find some comfort in familiar faces.

Lucas frowned, concern knitting his brow. He remembered the days they had spent together—those carefree years that seemed like another lifetime. But now, standing here, he couldn't help but feel the weight of everything that had changed since then.

- You should have called first - Lucas replied, though his voice lacked any real reprimand. - Things are different now. I have a life with Amelia.

Emma's eyes flickered, a shadow crossing her face. She nodded, though her smile faltered.

- I know that, Lucas. I do. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just... I guess I hoped we could talk. I've been struggling, and I didn't know where else to turn - she said, her voice breaking slightly.

Lucas hesitated, glancing toward the kitchen where Amelia had retreated after Emma arrived. He knew Amelia was just out of sight, likely listening, and the last thing he wanted was to hurt her.

- What are you struggling with? - Lucas asked, keeping his voice steady, but his eyes showed the conflict he was feeling.

Emma took a deep breath, her gaze falling to the floor.

- I've been having financial problems, Lucas. Things haven't been going well for me. I lost my job, and I'm barely scraping by. I didn't come here to beg, but... I thought maybe you could help me figure something out.

Lucas ran a hand through his hair, feeling the heaviness of the situation settle over him. He looked toward the kitchen again, knowing that he couldn't make any decisions without considering Amelia.

- Emma, I care about you, and I want to help, but this isn't just about me anymore - Lucas said, his tone softening. - Amelia is part of my life now, and I need to be honest with her about everything. I can't make promises without her being involved.

Emma's smile wavered, and she nodded again, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

- I understand, Lucas. I know it's complicated. I just... I hoped you could at least give me some advice. I don't know where else to go.

Lucas sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He reached out and squeezed her shoulder gently.

- We'll figure something out. But you need to understand that my priority is Amelia. I'll talk to her, and we'll see what we can do to help - he said.

Emma gave him a watery smile, nodding.

- Thank you. I appreciate it, really. I don't want to come between you and Amelia, I promise.

Lucas nodded, though a sense of unease still lingered in his chest. He knew this wasn't going to be easy - Emma's sudden reappearance had stirred something complicated, and he wasn't sure how Amelia would react to it.

He found Amelia in the kitchen, standing by the counter, her back turned to him. She was fiddling with a mug, her fingers tracing its rim absently. He could sense her tension even before she spoke.