ALIANA

The following morning seemed surreal.

Not due, to the fact that I had cradled Michael Hamilton as he fell apart in my embrace. Because of the silence he maintained when I quietly left his room at daybreak.

He remained silent.

Simply observed me from the bed eyes drowsy, drained, yet oddly… connected to me.

I departed before he had the chance to request me to remain once more—not due to a lack of desire but because staying meant acknowledging something I wasn’t prepared to confront.

Something dangerous.

Something real.

Hence we reached the office individually.

I made sure of it.

However, the instant I entered the building the air...