Alysia looked down for a moment, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her cup. The quiet between them stretched for a while.
"So..." she began, her voice softer now, "where will you go? And... will it take a long time?"
Rama leaned back slightly. His eyes drifting toward the café window, watching dust motes float in the sunlight. He hesitated trying to choose the words carefully, weighing what to reveal and not.
"I... have some important business to do," he said finally. "I don't know for how long. But... it might take a long time before I come back to this city."
Alysia pursed her lips and looked at him. Her eyes were calm but the sadness lingered just beneath the surface.
"Uhh, you alright?" Rama asked, shifting in his seat. A small knot of guilt twisted in his chest.
She gave a soft chuckle, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"You're one of the only friends I have left. Aside from Arsa. So... hearing you're leaving makes me a little sad. Just a little bit though."
