Jinju's trembling hands clutched the edge of the table as she stared at the untouched bowl of soup. The warm broth steamed gently, a contrast to the cold pit twisting in her stomach. Across from her, Shen Shinju quietly picked at his food, though he too barely tasted anything. The silence between them was not awkward—it was heavy. Shared.
The faint light of City S's protected perimeter glowed behind them, but it offered little comfort tonight. It was peaceful here—too peaceful, when her son was out there somewhere in chaos and danger.
Shinju finally broke the stillness, voice quiet. "You haven't eaten much."
Jinju forced a tight smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I could say the same to you."
He said nothing more. Just resumed eating, the click of chopsticks the only sound between them.
Then, after a pause, Jinju's voice returned—barely a whisper.
"Mister Shen…"
Shinju looked up. Her expression was taut, lips pressed together with restrained emotion.
