Why Did Fiona Leave?

Harriet paced back and forth in her bedroom, her thoughts tangled in a web of anticipation and anxiety.

The night was well on its way, and she found herself constantly checking the time, wondering if Liam and Maria were still on their date or if they had decided to take things further.

It had been a carefully orchestrated evening, one she had made sure to remind Liam of earlier. She had called him just before four, her voice light but firm, making sure he didn't forget about the date.

And he had assured her, almost impatiently, that he was on his way, as if to say, "Stop worrying, Mother, I've got this."

A small smile touched her lips. At least he was taking it seriously, she had thought. But as the minutes ticked by, her restlessness grew.