Half-Measures

The wide stretch of green rolled out before them, a quiet contrast to the noise and speculation cluttering Killian’s world since the exhibit. The media frenzy hadn’t slowed, not even slightly.

Headlines still looped across screens and feeds, dissecting the image of him kissing Aria like it was a national event. And Ethan, always the kind of friend who showed up when it mattered, had suggested a morning at the golf course.

“You need a breather, man,” Ethan had said. “Before your face becomes a permanent tabloid meme.”

Now, a few holes in and the sun bearing down on them, Killian finally let his shoulders loosen. The world out here was quieter. Cleaner. Simpler. Arranging another shot, he swung the club deftly across the air, sending the ball in a graceful, flawless curve toward the pin.

Ethan gave a low whistle. “Show-off.”

Smirking but speechless, Killian stepped back and dabbed his hand on a towel.

They retreated to the shaded rest area beside the course to cool off. Ethan leaned ag