I wanted to kick myself as the words left my mouth. I didn’t regret saying it, but a peculiar feeling had washed over me. Sure enough, Atlas smiled at me, but I noticed an unmistakable hostility.

My dad spoke up, “What are you saying? Mr. Atlas had a drink, so he shouldn’t be driving!”

“Oh,” I replied, getting up. “Alright.”

When we got to the car, Atlas said, “Head to Cresswind Valley.”

My heart sank a bit. Although Cresswind Valley was closer than Fremont Bay, I wondered why he didn’t want to go back there.

As if reading my thoughts, he explained, “Fremont Bay is too far. I don’t feel comfortable with you driving back alone.”

His words left me conflicted. Was it because he cared about me?

Neither of us spoke during the drive, and the silence hung heavily in the air. When we reached Cresswind Tower, he said, “Come up with me.”

Atlas opened the car door and walked towards the building without acknowledging my hesitation. After a pause, I parked the car and followed him into the