A Withdrawn Dinner Guest
At dinner, Evan appeared distant even as he sat close to us. He barely touched his food and gave short, quiet answers when asked. “How’s work been treating you?” Mom inquired gently. “Fine,” he replied softly, offering no more. Our efforts to connect only made the silence feel heavier. It was painful to see him like this—surrounded by family but seeming so alone. His tired smile didn’t reach his eyes, revealing the weight still resting on his heart.
A Withdrawn Dinner Guest
Buzzing Phone Raises Concerns
Throughout dinner, Evan’s phone buzzed quietly in his pocket, each vibration pulling his attention further away from us. Noticing his distraction, I asked, “Everything okay?” He glanced briefly at the screen and brushed it off with, “Yeah, just work stuff.” But his constant checking only fueled my worry and curiosity—who or what needed so much of his focus? It wasn’t like him to be so detached; usually, he was fully present with us.
Buzzing Phone Raises Concerns
