Chapter 123

Sebastian slid into the driver's seat. Ms. Woods was already in the passenger seat, turning slightly to say in a soft tone, "The monthly meeting starts in thirty minutes. Maybe you want to go over the briefing first?" Sebastian flipped through a few pages, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere, like something was nagging at him. He set the documents aside and said, "Push the meeting to tomorrow." Ms. Woods blinked, caught off guard. Later, Sebastian drove himself over to Elaria's old apartment. Lately, whenever he couldn't shake the thoughts of her, he'd come by. He'd clean up the place, cook a meal-pretending like nothing ever ended, pretending she'd walk in any second saying, "Sebastian, I'm back." Now, even dreaming of hearing her voice felt like too much to wish for. Just like always, he tidied the rooms, swapped in fresh white calla lilies, and had groceries delivered. Only when keeping busy did he feel anything close to peace. From the kitchen came the soft rhythm of chopping.