Ed looked at me, genuinely contrite now, his bravado washed away. “I’m sorry,” he said, sincerity coloring his voice. “I didn’t think. I just wanted to make people laugh, not hurt you.”

I took a deep breath, processing the whirlwind of emotions. “I appreciate the apology, Ed,” I replied softly. “But this is something we need to work on if we’re going to continue this journey together. It’s about understanding and respecting each other, even when things seem lighthearted.”