A Quiet Life Denied

The question hung in the air like steam above a pan. "Wait... what do you mean the problem with Elliot is over?" Celeste asked. Her tone was sharper than she meant. Her hand trembled slightly, though she pretended not to notice.

Franz didn’t look up from the stove.

"Ask your mother," he said casually, flipping an egg with one hand.

The silence that followed was heavy.

Then, after a beat, Celeste nodded. "Right... Sorry. I should be thanking you. You saved her life, and I’m here questioning you."

Franz glanced back. "It’s okay. You were just worried."

<Would you look at that... being a gentleman now, are we?>

Franz ignored the remark. But the grateful look on Celeste’s face lingered.

"Come on," he said, jerking his chin toward the others. "Food’ll be ready in a bit."

Celeste moved quietly to the counter and sat.