Page 67 of Petals and Plot Twists

---

Why?

Peter

Sophie. Don’t ask a question when you already know the answer.

Sophie

But I don’t know the answer! Are you mad?

Peter

I’m not mad.

Sophie

Are you sure?

Peter

I’m sure.

Sophie

So you just…need a minute?

Peter

Yes. And to spend a little time with my golden pothos.

Sophie

How are the lights?

Peter

Behaving, for now.

Sophie

You know you can come back if you need to.

Peter

I know.

Sophie

And you know how much I love you.

Peter

I know.

Sophie

And we’re going to be okay, right?

It takes Peter a very long time to answer this question, and I watch the dots appear and disappear several times before a message finally pops up. When it does, my heart squeezes painfully.

---