Peter perched on a weathered couch, its familiar embrace offering little comfort as he stared at the silent theater of the flat screen. Though his body faced the muted drama unfolding, his mind was ensnared by the sight of Nathan, an older echo of his once vibrant friend.

“I’m sorry your girlfriend couldn’t stay," Nathan observed, his voice a solemn echo in the dimly lit room.

Relief washed over Peter, grateful that Tina possessed the tact to recognize the sanctity of their overdue reunion and not to intrude. "Yeah, she wasn’t feeling well."

Nathan's fingers intertwined, forming a lattice of silent support beneath his chin. “Ah, I understand," he murmured while raising his left eyebrow in suspicion.

Peter hesitated, the weight of confession heavy upon his tongue. He had no reason to lie to Nathan. After all, Peter wanted answers from Nathan and knew he wouldn’t receive the truth by lying.

"Actually... she didn't believe you were real."

Nathan snickered, shaking his head in disbelief. As he adjusted his glasses, the light caught the lenses, casting playful glimmers that mirrored the mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Why the puzzled look, my friend?" Nathan's voice, rich with humor, cut through the awkward tension.

Peter found himself at a loss for words, the weight of Tina's disbelief pressing down on him like a...