ic vintage Swiss watch, a model he' d admired for years but could never justify buying. S

ent store downtown, nestled on a

carefully taking it out, a

's just like the one Grandfather

Ethan's arm, dressed impeccably, her ey

her. "It is beau

he watch the associat

smile tightened almost impercepti

watch in Maya's hand. "Is t

watch reminds her of her grandfather. It has so much sentimental value for her." He looked at

ate looked awkwa

ve years. Five years of this. Of her need

t," Maya said,

h, really? That's so

eved. "See? I knew

continued, still looking at hi

bonus Ethan had just received from his startup, a bonus he' d

razy? That's..." He looked at the price tag still di

a flicker of annoyance in her ey

ply. "Take it or leave it." Sh

ia, whose lower lip had started t

ya, his jaw tight wi

the transfer. Maya watched the confirmation pop up on her

ok the watch from Maya and began to box it for Olivia,

, the earlier relief replaced by a deep, unsettling confusion

he store, leaving them with their expe

nally seemed to realize this wasn't just Maya b