"The situation was urgent. I understand," she replied, her voice distant.
Elias let out a relieved breath. "Vera’s fine now. I’ll be home soon, I’m picking up dinner."
"It’s fine." Mira’s words were cold, distant.
After hanging up, Mira took off her hospital gown and prepared to pay the bill. As she made her way toward the exit, a familiar female voice echoed from around the corner of the hallway.
"Elias, we haven't done the rehearsal kiss for today yet."
It was Vera’s voice, light and playful.
Elias' figure was cast in shadow on the floor tiles, his hand reaching out to gently touch Vera’s head. "Alright, stop fooling around," he said, his tone firm but affectionate.
"Did you kiss Mira when you got married?" Vera's voice had a teasing edge.
"...I did."
"Then, of course, our wedding should be like this," Vera said, standing on tiptoe, her voice soft but insistent.
The shadows, tall and short, moved closer together.
"Elias, can you kiss me? How can a girl kiss someone on her own initiative?" Vera’s voice was sweet and delicate, laden with unspoken longing.
Elias didn’t move. The atmosphere thickened, heavy with silence.