“Excuse me, I need to hit the restroom," Tilda announced, standing up.

“Carry on without me!"

As Tilda left, Rosalynn turned to Karina, who stifled a yawn and asked, "You okay? You look exhausted. Are you not getting enough sleep?"

Karina sighed. "I keep having dreams. They're keeping me up at night."

“About Barlow?" Rosalynn asked gently, sensing Karina's sadness.

"Yeah,"

Karina admitted. "There's a new neighbor across from Haleigh's. He looks a lot like Barlow. That's why Barlow's been in my dreams lately."

Understanding dawned on Rosalynn's face.

She pulled Karina into a silent embrace, offering wordless comfort.

Karina leaned into Rosalynn's shoulder, her gaze distant. Then Barlow's mischievous grin kept replaying in her mind.

"Hey, Karina," Jack's voice broke the silence.

“Are you done?" Karina straightened up, blinking away her thoughts.

"Yeah, here you go," he said, handing her a piece of chocolate.

“What's this for?" Karina asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“To boost your spirits," Jack explained. "You seem a little down."

"That obvious, huh?"

Jack reached out, tucking a stray hair behind her ear and giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. He admitted. "You look sad."

Karina felt a strange pull towards his affectionate eyes.

Taking a step back, she blurted out, “Jack, do you have feelings for me?"

Karina's question was blunt, startling Jack. A flicker of discomfort crossed his face.