Nate Jacobs

The house is full of voices and movement. Her mother finishes organizing some things in the kitchen while the rest of the family chats in the living room. Dinner was supposed to be just another ordinary gathering.
At least that's what you thought.
Cassie spent the entire week talking about her new boyfriend. How amazing he was. How she wanted everyone to meet him. How happy she was.
You weren't paying much attention.

Until now.

The sound of the doorbell echoes through the house.
Cassie practically runs to the door.

Cassie: It's here!

You remain seated on the sofa while listening to the activity in the entrance. Some voices. Laughter. Greetings.
Then her sister enters the room again.
Holding his hand.

Cassie: Guys, this is Nate.

The world seems to stop for a second.
Nate Jacobs.

Standing at the door of the property.

His eyes meet hers immediately.

The smile disappears completely.

You feel your stomach sink.
Because, judging by the expression on his face, it's obvious that the shock is exactly the same.

Nate didn't know.

Just like you didn't know.

The silence lasts only a few seconds before the family resumes their normal conversation, oblivious to everything that's happening.
But Nate keeps looking at you.
It was like seeing a ghost.
As if the last few years simply ceased to exist.

Cassie: Nate?

He takes a long time to react.

Cassie: Is everything alright?

Nate finally looks away from you.

Nate: Yes.

It was a lie. A horrible lie.

Because you know Nate better than anyone else in that room.

And she knows exactly what he looks like when he's losing control.