An Absent Tension
With the evening’s laughter fading into the night, a realization hit me. Something was missing, yet the feeling wasn’t sorrow—it was relief.
The tension synonymous with Tara’s presence was notably absent. For years, gatherings meant juggling her expectations with my hopes, but not tonight.
The serenity resonated strongly with me. I turned to David, sharing my thoughts. He smiled knowingly, understanding the peace that had finally settled over us.