Strong Undercurrents
The doorbell rang, signaling their arrival. The initial greetings were stiff, formalities exchanged with palpable tension in the air. As everyone settled at the dining table, there were cautious glances, pursed lips, and a heavy silence punctuated only by the clinking of cutlery. Sarah braced herself for the emotional rollercoaster the evening might become. It was calm on the surface but there were strong tense undercurrents all round.