23

Carissa's POV 

After Dylan went out that afternoon, the house seemed more calm than normal. The night wind came in through the gaps in the living room window, bringing the smell of damp leaves and wet ground. Mom was in the kitchen, cleaning some cups left on the dining table. Dad had gone to his room before, maybe tired - or maybe just giving me space.

I sat on a step, arms around my legs, looking at the door that had just shut some minutes ago. The weight in my chest stayed—not only because Dylan was gone but also due to all the stuff left unsaid and everything that shouldn't have taken place.

Raihan came out of the kitchen, holding two mugs of hot tea. He gave me one without a word. The mug was a bit weighty, and its warmth touched softly on my face. I took it slowly.

“Thanks,” I murmured.

He sat a step under me, leaning his back on the wood railing. Quiet. But not th