Shared Burdens

AUDREY'S POV

I immediately notice Declan's usually relaxed, easy-going demeanor turn rigid, making me deeply hesitant to pry any further into what is clearly a painful subject. The silence stretches between us, thick and uncomfortable. I watch a muscle tick in his cheek as he stares at the ground, lost in a place I cannot reach.

"If you don't want to talk about it, I understand," I say softly, t