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Malik has never felt more nervous in his life. He was bold when he told Edna that he wanted to talk with her parents.

He was bold when she told him that they are ready to meet with him. He was bold when he drove to the restaurant one fine evening from his hotel room, but the moment he saw her intimidating father, he lost all his courage and his heart fell to the pit of his stomach like a deflated balloon.

Her mother didn't see him, she is reading through the menu and talks to her husband, who has locked eyes with Malik.

He still feels the impact of the man's punch from the night before.

He smooths his hair back, adjusts his jacket, and walks into the restaurant. It's not full, that's because this isn't New York.

"Hello. " He says to both of them but he doesn't take his seat.

Edna's mother frowns and drops the menu back on the table. Her father only nods at him, that's it.

He feels pain so heavy in the back of his throat, but he composes himself. He can't believe that they hav