Not a word

"You loved me. You truly, deeply loved me without conditions. Thank you for everything. I would regret losing you for the rest of my life, but I'm letting you go."

"Thank you, Vincent." Fil nodded in appreciation. "Hearing you say all that makes me think you've grown."

"I didn't grow. I just… woke up after reality slapped me right across the face."

"Did it hurt?"

"I lost a tooth."

"Then, good for you." Slowly, a smile dominated her face as she picked up her teacup once more. "If reality didn't slap you, I would do it myself."

Vincent casually spread his arms on the armrest. "So, are we good?"

"Depends on how long you could keep that facade."

"Then, I guess we're good tonight."

They chuckled in unison.

"So, how's Valerie?" she asked out of pure curiosity. 

"She's… okay." Vincent nodded. "She's back in school."

"I thought she was going to skip for a year for her acting career?"