The discussion turned to community matters, and I found my attention drifting, caught in a loop of anticipation and worry.
Then, finally, someone brought up the community support program.
There was a pause, a moment of hesitation that seemed to stretch on forever.
The organizer cleared his throat, glancing around the room as if seeking approval.
“Marlene was supposed to speak about this,” he said, his voice carrying a note of uncertainty.
There was a murmur, a ripple of acknowledgment that seemed to hang in the air.
Still, no one made a move to fill the silence left by her absence.
I could feel the weight of the moment, the collective question of what to do next pressing down on everyone present.
Someone suggested postponing the discussion until Marlene could be present, but the idea was met with mixed reactions.
Some nodded in agreement, while others exchanged uneasy glances, as if unsure of how to proceed.
