I stepped out of the restroom, my expression composed, my hands casually tucked into my pockets as if nothing had happened. The gathering was winding down, people milling about as they prepared to leave.
My eyes immediately locked onto Emily, who was standing near the entrance of the tent, her brow furrowed with concern. Beside her, Kate and Tom were engaged in quiet conversation, though Kate's eyes flicked toward me with a knowing glint—one that suggested she'd pieced together more than I'd intended.
Emily's eyes locked onto me the moment I stepped closer, her voice tinged with a mix of worry and curiosity. "Where have you been all this time?" she asked, her tone sharp but not quite accusatory—just concerned.
"I've been looking for you and Mom everywhere. You both just... vanished." Her fingers tightened slightly around my arm, her gaze searching my face for any hint of what had kept us away for so long.
