Chapter 15 In the Warmth of the Restaurant
The cafe Ezra mentioned turned out to be a small restaurant, hidden among a row of old buildings in the city center. It wasn't a luxurious place, but it was modern enough for dating couples. The lights were dim, the aroma of delicious food filled the air, and soft jazz music was faintly heard from the speakers in the corner of the room.
Aveline stood at the door, and looked at her reflection in the glass. Cheeks flushed, eyes restless, and breathing unstable. She was an adult, had gone through marriage, loss, and trauma... but she couldn't remember the last time she felt this nervous. Like she was falling in love and going on a date for the first time.
Suddenly the door was opened from inside, and Ezra appeared with a small smile.
"You came," he said softly.
Ezra held the door for her. "Come in. This place isn't an expensive restaurant, but it's one of my favorites."
Aveline smiled faintly; something about that simplicity actually made her feel secure.
They sat at a table near the window. Aveline occupied herself by opening the menu, though she wasn't really reading it.
Ezra looked at her for a long time, as if studying her face.
"You look tense," he finally said.
Aveline gave a stiff smile. "I'm not used to... things like this."
"Things like what? A date?" Ezra raised a teasing eyebrow.
Aveline immediately looked down. "Don't call it that."
"Alright. Then how about we call it... a meeting of two equally confused humans who need something to hold onto in life." Ezra leaned back in his chair, completely relaxed. "Better?"
Aveline sighed softly. "Slightly."
They ordered food. Cream of mushroom soup for Aveline, and roast meat and potatoes for Ezra. After the waiter left, silence slipped between them. Not an awkward silence, but one that seemed to make room for feelings that weren't yet ready to be spoken.
Ezra broke it first.
"You look better today," he said, pushing hair back from his forehead. "Usually... you look like someone carrying a huge burden alone."
Aveline held her breath. The weight of her memories pressed down on her, but for the first time in a long time, someone seemed genuinely willing to listen.
"Everyone carries something," Aveline answered softly.
Ezra nodded. "Yes. Including me."
Aveline turned, curious. "What is it?"
"I am the superhero responsible for maintaining peace on this earth," Ezra answered nonsensically. Aveline chuckled. "Seriously, Ezra. That joke isn't suitable for old me," she protested.
"You're not old," Ezra quickly replied. "To me, you look the same as me. Beautiful, sweet, simple... and you look more fragile and vulnerable, which makes me always want to hug you."
Aveline swallowed. She quickly turned her face away, hiding her cheeks that were starting to flush.
"By the way," Aveline changed the subject, "I heard your mother left when you were little. You seem to have grown up very well. But... does it actually affect you?"
Ezra looked at the table for a few seconds before answering. "Immensely."
His tone deepened, revealing old wounds.
"Mom left when I was six. She suddenly disappeared, without any message. Dad said she was bored with our lives, but I always felt that wasn't the answer." Ezra rubbed his fingers, a small habit that emerged when he was uncomfortable. "Do you know what it feels like... seeing all the other kids being picked up by their mothers, while you stand alone?"
Aveline looked down. The pain felt so close.
Ezra continued, his voice heavier. "I grew up with questions. Was I not good enough? Not funny enough? Or not... worthy of love?"
Aveline looked at him gently, and Ezra gave a wry smile, as if trying to lessen the weight of what he had just said.
"But I survived. People survive even though the world knocks them down repeatedly." Ezra looked sharply at Aveline. "You too, right?"
Aveline swallowed. Ezra didn't know anything about Adrian, about the cold marriage that was slowly destroying her. But she knew one thing, Ezra's face showed curiosity without being demanding. He wasn't probing like Adrian, and not pressuring like the other people in her life.
But precisely because of that... Aveline wanted to tell her story.
"I have a child," she said quietly.
Aveline exhaled a breath that felt like shattered glass.
"His name was Liam." Her lips trembled when she mentioned the name. "He was born... perfect. Healthy. Cheerful. The world felt colorful back then."
Ezra waited without interrupting.
"But some time ago... we had a car accident." Aveline's eyes watered. Her hand squeezed a tissue. "I survived. My husband too. But Liam..."
She couldn't continue.
Ezra placed his hand over Aveline's hand. Warm. Steady. Not trying to take over her emotions. He tried to make Aveline feel his presence.
"I am so sorry for your loss," he said with a deep, sincere voice. "Aveline... I had actually heard about this before. But hearing it directly from you, makes me truly feel your sorrow. I apologize."
And at that moment, Aveline almost cried. Not because his words were painful, but because someone finally said them in a way that made the wound feel seen.
"A lot of people say I should be grateful I'm still alive." Aveline smiled bitterly. "They don't know what it feels like to wake up every morning and hope... hope that the pain will fade, but it never does."
Ezra shook his head slowly, his eyes full of empathy. "You don't have to forget. You just have to... learn to live with that empty space."
Aveline looked at him intently. There was so much she wanted to say, but her voice disappeared when she saw how Ezra's eyes softened like that. No judgment. No condescending pity.
"Tonight," Ezra continued, "I'm glad you told me. Not because of the tragedy... but because you're starting to trust me."
Aveline quickly wiped the corner of her eye. "I don't know why I can talk to you so easily like this."
Ezra smiled wryly. "Maybe because I'm sweet?"
Aveline laughed. A genuine laugh. "You? Sweet?"
"At least sweeter than the cafeteria coffee, right?" Ezra countered. They laughed together.
Their conversation continued on a lighter note. They discussed favorite movies, childhood foods, silly school experiences, and dreams they had never revealed to anyone. Aveline felt... protected. Listened to. And, for the first time in a long time... cared for.
After they finished eating, the rain was still falling outside. Ezra stood up and took off his own jacket, putting it on Aveline's shoulders with a gentle movement.
"It's cold out. Wear a thick jacket next time."
Aveline looked into his eyes, and there was something natural yet dangerous there. A closeness that could grow and consume them both.
"I'm glad... you came tonight," he said quietly.
Aveline could barely say anything. She could only nod. And Aveline knew... her life was changing, though she didn't know in which direction. Clearly, Ezra was no longer just her student. But he was something Aveline didn't want to let go of.