She stood frozen for a moment, the glass still in her hand. A part of her was already trying to figure out how to steer the conversation without arousing suspicion. Then, with a slight smile and a deceptively light tone, she said:
"Really nothing new, not even from the others?"
Marlie subtly looked away.
"No, nothing at all."
(But what's gotten into her? Why so many questions? Does she suspect us about the secret?)
"Marlie."
"Yes?"
"Are you hiding something from me? Because... you're avoiding my gaze."
"I swear I'm not hiding anything from you. It's just... well... I was lost in thought. I remembered something Axel told me. It threw me off a bit," she replied, attempting a reassuring smile.
Miria simply nodded.
"Oh..."
She said nothing more. A silence fell, filled with dull tension. Marlie looked at her, pained.
"Sorry, Miria. But I can't tell you the truth. I wish I could tell you everything, but... I'm scared. Scared you'll reject me, that you'll see me as a monster. After all, who would want to be friends with a werewolf?"
At these words, caught in the silence, Miria nearly choked on her juice. She coughed violently, hastily setting her glass down on the table.
"Hey, are you okay?!" Marlie asked, getting up immediately to pat her back.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine..." Miria reassured her after a few moments. "I just swallowed badly, it's nothing."
She smiled awkwardly, her thoughts still troubled. Then, as if to escape the situation, she took her phone out of her pocket, pretending to receive a call.
Miria held the device to her ear, miming a short, silent conversation, before looking up at Marlie.
"I'm sorry, I have to go. My mom's friend needs me for something urgent..."
Marlie looked disappointed.
"Already? But we haven't even had time to really talk or enjoy ourselves..."
"I know," Miria murmured, her tone half dry, half sad. "But I have no choice. Maybe we can see each other another day... or next week, when I go back to school."
"Next week?!" Marlie protested, pouting. "That's a long time..."
Which earned a small, discreet laugh from Miria.
"Let's call each other, okay?" she called out, standing up.
Marlie stood up in turn and gently embraced her.
"Okay."
Their silhouettes slowly separated, each heading in a different direction. The air felt heavier for Miria, while Marlie's thoughts still echoed like a secret that must never be broken.