They stayed for hours.
Food, conversation, laughter, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere Ethan had almost forgotten was possible filled the room. Nobody had anything particularly serious to complain about anymore. Aunt Clarissa was in better health, and thanks to the resources Ethan had accumulated, none of them would ever have to worry about money again.
It was an unmatched feeling, watching the people who raised him simply enjoy themselves without a worry in the world.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Everyone except Mark.
At some point, Mark stretched out on the couch and fell asleep.
He barely participated in the surrounding conversations, and even when he was awake, he seemed completely out of it. It was so uncharacteristic of him that everyone noticed.
But nobody said anything.
They let him be until eventually it was time to leave.
"Heading out now?"
Ethan hummed in response.
