Ben’s Strained Smile
Ben’s demeanor was unsettling. Normally he lit up the room, but tonight his smile was stiff and his laughter forced, as though he was masking something. “You alright, Ben?” I asked, hoping he’d open up. “Yeah, just tired,” he said quickly, avoiding my eyes. Yet his expression betrayed him, revealing a burden he clearly wasn’t ready to share.
Ben’s Strained Smile
Observing Subtle Cues
All through dinner, I stayed alert for anything hidden in their behavior. Restless hands, fleeting looks—every detail could mean something. “Did you notice that?” Sarah whispered after Ben exchanged a nervous glance with Tom. I gave a slight nod, mentally cataloging it. They seemed to know more than they admitted, and every subtle cue hinted at a deeper, unspoken truth.
Observing Subtle Cues
