John was still smiling.
That was the part Adam's father trusted the most.
John had the kind of smile that made people feel they were being respected. He spoke softly, listened patiently, and never made Adam's father feel like a burden. He called him uncle, offered tea, and kept explaining that Adam was only away because of college work.
Adam's father wanted to believe him.
"Son," he said, sitting across from John, "it has been many days now. When will Adam come back?"
John did not answer too quickly.
He placed his cup down, looked a little troubled, and then smiled again.
"Uncle, I understand. If I were in your place, I would also be worried."
"His phone is still not connecting."
"I know," John said. "He told me before leaving that his phone had some problem. The college side sent him out in a hurry, so he still has not managed to fix it."
Adam's father frowned. "He could have called from someone else's phone."
For one moment, John's smile almost slipped.
Only almost.
