Not asking about her

Freda's POV

"Ouch!" I let out a little yelp as the sizzling oil from the frying pan splashed onto my hand. It stung like crazy, but I quickly shook it off. Today, I decided to make myself a simple lunch because I was feeling bored and didn't know what else to do with my time.

Cooking has never really been my strong suit, but it's become a way for me to distract myself from everything else going on in my life. As I grabbed a spoon to stir the potatoes in the frying pan, I made sure to be extra careful, not wanting them to burn. The sizzle and aroma filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere in my kitchen.

While I focused on the task at hand, my mind couldn't help but wander to Hardin. It had been weeks since I last heard anything from him, and it was starting to weigh on me. The silence was deafening, and my thoughts were consumed by questions and doubts. What happened? Why hasn't he reached out? Did I do something wrong?

As I stirred the potatoes, my emotions became tangled. I felt a