That evening, everyone gathered for dinner, but the atmosphere around the table felt completely different from what it had always been.
Usually, meals were noisy affairs.
Kiara would complain about some troublesome customer or ridiculous situation back when she worked as a receptionist in the town. Arceus would answer her with a smile; he, too, shares his experiences. The table had always been filled with life. Tonight, however, silence occupied every empty space.
Kiara sat at one end of the table while Arceus sat at the other.
The androids stood nearby, and the food laid before them was every bit as delicious as usual.
Unfortunately, nobody seemed capable of appreciating it.
Neither Kiara nor Arceus spoke.
They simply ate in silence while the occasional sound of utensils touching plates echoed through the room.
Several times, Noah considered saying something, anything, but the sadness hanging over the table felt too heavy. In the end, even he remained silent.
