The quiet clinking of silverware against plates filled the room as dessert was served. Hanna sat beside Finn, feeling worn down by the evening’s small jabs and glances. She could feel the weight of Mrs. Callahan’s gaze, scrutinizing her every move.
“So, Hanna,” Mrs. Callahan said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Do you think you’ll manage to balance… school, work, and your social life? It sounds like you have quite a bit on your plate.”
Hanna forced a polite smile. “I think I can handle it. I’ve always worked hard, and Finn’s been really supportive.”
Mrs. Callahan raised an eyebrow, casting a glance at Mr. Callahan. “Supportive, yes. But I wonder, Finn, if you might benefit from focusing more on your studies. You know how important your future is to us.”
There was a silence, and Hanna’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she felt Mrs. Callahan’s words directed at her, as if she were a weight pulling Finn down. She looked down, unsure of how to respond.
Finn set down his fork with a deliberate clink, his face tight. “Mom, Dad, I think we need to stop with the comments. You know… about Hanna.”
Mrs. Callahan blinked, clearly taken aback. “I’m sorry, darling, I’m only expressing concern. As we’ve said, it’s important to keep one’s future in mind.”
“Which I am doing,” Finn said firmly, glancing at Hanna with a reassuring smile. “My relationship with Hanna isn’t something you need to be concerned about.”
Mr. Callahan’s expression hardened, and he cleared his throat, setting down his napkin. “Finn, we’re just suggesting you consider your long-term prospects a bit more carefully. Relationships like this… they don’t always fit into those plans.”
Finn’s hand curled around Hanna’s. “Hanna isn’t a distraction, Dad. I’m not going to walk away just because it doesn’t match some… ideal you have in mind.”
The air in the room grew heavy as Mr. Callahan fixed his son with a penetrating stare. “It isn’t about ideals, Finn. It’s about the stability and reputation of this family. We simply want the best for you, and we’ve worked hard to ensure you understand what that entails.”
Finn’s jaw tightened, but he kept his gaze steady. “Maybe what you want for me isn’t the same as what I want. And that’s something I need you to respect.”
Mrs. Callahan’s face remained impassive, though her eyes narrowed slightly. “Well, I can see we’ve made our point,” she said coolly. “But you’re being… rather naive, Finn.”
Finn opened his mouth to reply, but a knock at the door cut through the tension.