To say that she liked Lynn’s cooking was an understatement. Sandra was impressed with her friend’s prowess in the kitchen and a tad bit jealous if she were to admit it. But either way, she enjoyed savoring the variety of dishes laid out like a feast in front of her.

As she bit into the crispy skin of the chicken leg, she moaned in pleasure. “This is really too good, Lynn.”

Lynn giggled. “Eat here more often and you’ll put on weight,” she teased.

“Mark, you’re lucky to have Lynn cook for you every day,” Sandra said, her voice muffled by the food in her mouth.

She grinned at the man, expecting him to agree and voice his contentment. But when he returned her smile, the flicker of anger in his eyes caused a chill to settle in her bones.

“Today’s dinner is special, actually.” Mark tossed a side glance at his wife. “Normally we have leftovers. Sometimes, she doesn’t even cook.”

The undercurrent of tension in his voice spoke volumes. So did the unpleasant look that Lynn shot him at his remark. Trapped between the warring couple, Sandra was lost for words. She gulped hard and reached for the glass of water, downing it in a flash.

Her eyes darted around the table, from Mark’s stern look to Lynn’s dark expression, and then to Ray. She couldn’t see the teen's expression from across the table given his bowed head. His lack of a reaction suggested that fights between the couple were a common occurrence.

Deadly silence fell over the room like a blanket. Sandra shrank into her seat. Her chest tightened as she recalled the same feeling of being small and invisible in a stifling cold war. Desperate to escape the encroaching walls of nostalgia, she let out an unnatural, shrill laugh.

“Maybe I should come over more often then,” she joked, trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere.

It took a second before Lynn recovered her cheery look first. “Yes, you should! We would love to have you over. Wouldn’t we, Mark?”

Shooting one last glare at Lynn, Mark turned his attention back to Sandra. His lips cracked into a forced smile. “Yes, we would.”

Sandra returned his smile with one of her own, relieved that the silence was broken. Eager to continue conversation, she added, “Looks like Ray will have to see me at school and at home too. Hope you don’t mind, Ray.”

The teen didn't even look up at her words and Sandra wondered whether he had fallen asleep at the table. She gave an awkward chuckle. “I guess he doesn’t mind then.”

But Mark certainly minded. He fixed his son in a stern glare and rapped his fist on the table. Ray’s head shot up and his eyes widened upon seeing the look on Mark’s face.

“How many times must I tell you?! Put your phone away at the dining table!” Mark hollered as he wagged his finger at the teen.

Meeting Sandra’s gaze out of the corner of his eyes, Ray dropped his head. Red splotches colored his cheeks. From under his bangs, his eyes rolled up to glower at his father. The blazing fury in his expression startled Sandra. But then again, she reminded herself - like father, like son.

Guilty about pulling Ray into the conversation, she hurried to appease the situation. “It’s really okay, Mark. He’s still young-”

“That’s no excuse for such behavior,” Mark replied in a sharp tone. “Especially in front of a guest.”

“You don’t need to scold him in front of a guest either,” Lynn cut in. Her eyes narrowed at Mark. She reached over to place a hand over Ray’s clenched fist and spoke in a soft voice to her son.

Sandra couldn’t catch what she said but Ray simmered in rage before getting up and leaving the table. She felt bad for the young teen, having gotten him into trouble, but she was helpless to do anything.

After she watched the teen stalk off to his room, she turned to Lynn with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

Lynn squeezed her hand in understanding. A tired smile made its way across her face. “You don’t need to apologize, Sandra. It’s not your fault.”

Her lips curved downwards into a snarl. Lynn spat in Mark’s direction, “It’s his.”

Mark fumed. His lips parted to hurl accusatory words but when he caught Sandra’s anxious gaze, he took a deep breath. “Let’s… discuss this later, Lynn.”

The fight temporarily halted, Sandra made quick haste to finish the dinner and leave their house. Lynn and Mark never exchanged a word, only speaking and throwing polite glances at Sandra until she left.

Once she was out the door, Sandra heaved a sigh of relief. She had no doubt they would continue their heated conversation now but she thanked God she wasn’t there to hear it.

As she walked the short distance to her car, she reflected on the disastrous night. It had started off so well with Lynn and Mark - separately, she noted. But cracks had formed in their relationship and it seemed to have taken a toll on their son too. Ray had always seemed like a docile kid, but the intensity of his glare tonight had shown that he could be volatile.

It scared her, but it intrigued her too. Much like how Mark’s rebellious attitude had attracted her to him. Catching herself before her old feelings took over, she reminded herself that her best friend was married to him and that their marriage was on the rocks. She was worried for Lynn and for Mark. As a friend, she should try to help them or at least, offer some comfort.

Yet deep down and buried in her heart, was a niggling feeling of happiness. A gleeful delight that the breaking marriage might present an opportunity for her.

Was it wrong of her to fantasize about that?