It was undeniably awkward sitting with a teenager and someone who had existed for what felt like an eternity. Luke was engrossed in the menu, examining it as if it contained the secrets of the universe, while Charlie sat across from us, fixated on the screen of his laptop.
When our eyes met, I shot a glare at Luke, my lips sealed tight since Charlie was right there. It irked me when he responded with a playful smile as if to mock the tension.
I cleared my throat, determined to break the ice. "So, Charlie," I began, drawing the teenager's attention away from his screen, "how's school and everything?" I tried to sound nonchalant.
"It's bearable," he replied, adjusting his spectacles with a hint of irony.
"Are you an only child?" I inquired, hoping to keep the conversation flowing.
For a
