"I have to go for a bit." Coco announced, nodding her head towards Jonathan and Renaldo.
"What?" Jonathan blurted out, feeling a jolt of surprise as Coco mentioned that she had to leave for a while.
He had assumed that she would stay and continue to stand by his side as Renaldo continued with the conversation, but the news caught him off guard.
He turned to look at Coco, a look of uncertainty and concern on his face, unsure of what to say or do in response to the news as a wave of anxiety washed over him— her words triggering a rush of worry and dread.
Renaldo may have told him that they may get along in the future and asked him to a friendly lunch tomorrow, but that doesn't mean that he feels completely comfortable.
He had been banking on Coco's presence as a source of comfort and reassurance, that he was doing fine, and the sudden realization that he would be left alone with the mediator and his wife was a terrifying feeling.