“Are you free now? Care to grab a drink?" Alick proposed.

“Sure," Forrest agreed.

Alick draped an arm over his shoulder as they strolled. “How have you been holding up lately?" he inquired.

“\ihat?" Forrest responded, puzzled.

Alick scoffed, "You know what I mean. How's life treating you? What else is there to ask? I don't need to ask about your love life. I know it's going down the drain."

Forrest was taken aback. “Could you be a bit more polite?"

“Impolite? Me?" Alick retorted. "I'd say I'm rather decent."

Chuckling, they exited the restaurant and drove to a nearby bar.

Inside, music pulsed, and people danced energetically.

Seated at the bar counter, they indulged in drinks and conversation, delving into both pleasant and uncomfortable topics as time swiftly slipped away.

As they continued drinking, Alick found himself weighed down by a sense of melancholy.

He couldn't shake the feeling that he bore some responsibility for Annis' misfortunes.

Perhaps if he had taken better care of her, she wouldn't have lost her child or suffered such humiliation.

She used to be so full of joy-a truly good person.

Meanwhile, Forrest confided his own feelings about Laura.

Their relationship had been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows.

How could he simply let go of something that had consumed so much of his life?

Lost in their thoughts, they drowned their sorrows in drink, glass after glass.

Setting down his glass with a thud, Forrest mused, “Isaac must be the happiest man alive, wouldn't you say?"

Alick nodded in agreement.