A Moment of Silence

Ryan's expression finally changed, and he looked down at Ashley, his eyes searching hers. "Ashley, didn't you hear me?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. Ashley felt a surge of confusion. "Hear what?" she asked, her brow furrowed. Ryan took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm still in remission. The doctor said we can try in three months," he said, his words echoing Ashley's earlier statement. Ashley's face fell, and she felt a pang of realization. She had been so caught up in her own excitement that she hadn't even considered Ryan's situation. "Oh," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The room fell silent again, and Ryan's expression turned somber. He pulled his hand away from Ashley's and took a step back, his eyes never leaving hers. Ashley felt a flutter in her chest, and she looked over at Erica, who was watching the scene with a concerned expression. Erica mouthed "I'm sorry" to Ashley, but Ashley just shook her head. Ryan turned to leave, his movements slow and deliberate. "I'll wait in the car," he said, his voice low and rough. Ashley felt a pang of disappointment and worry. What was going on with Ryan? Why was he reacting like this? She got up from the couch and followed him to the door, her heart heavy with concern. "Ryan, wait," she said, her voice soft. But Ryan just kept walking, his eyes fixed on some point outside. Ashley watched as he got into the car and started the engine, his face a mask. She turned back to Erica, who was watching her with a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry, Ash," Erica said, getting up from her chair. "I think I need to give you two some space. Why don't I go make us some dinner, and you can go talk to Ryan?" Ashley nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She walked out to the car, her heart heavy with worry. When she got in, Ryan was sitting with his eyes fixed on the road, his expression unreadable. "Hey," she said, her voice soft. But Ryan just kept driving, his silence speaking volumes. Ashley didn't know what to say or do. All she could do was sit beside him and hope that he would eventually open up to her.