Their usual easy conversation faded into silence as they travelled home.

Back at the apartment, Ariana intended to sneak in a quick reply to Mitchel, hoping Theodore wouldn't notice. Yet, he was unusually attentive, hovering like a shadow. He was there with a glass of water when she was thirsty, and sat next to her, laptop in tow, while she watched TV.

Feeling increasingly uneasy, she decided to break the awkwardness.

Shutting off the TV, she announced, “I'm heading for a shower.”

“Okay.”