THE DAYS THAT STARTED TO FEEL LIKE HOME
Chapter 7
Ethan couldn’t dance.
At least, that was what he told himself.
The truth was worse.
He was terrible.
The first thirty seconds were enough for three people to laugh.
Walter nearly spilled his drink.
June covered her mouth.
Ethan stopped.
“Okay.”
He pointed toward the chair.
“I’m done.”
June shook her head.
“No.”
“I’ve embarrassed myself enough.”
“You haven’t.”
“Walter is laughing.”
Walter raised his hands.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to.”
Everyone laughed again.
Ethan shook his head.
But he smiled.
That was the difference.
Months ago, he would have left.
He would have found an excuse.
Now he stayed.
He let himself be embarrassed.
He let himself laugh.
He let himself be part of something that didn’t need a purpose.
There was no danger.
No mystery.
No crisis.
Just people.
Music.
Food.
A Saturday evening.
And Ethan realized how rare those things had become in his life.
