In the neighboring dark bedroom, the bed was empty. Outside the balcony, Warren was sitting in the chair. Next to him were a glass and a half-bottle of red wine.

In the silent black night, he was deeper than the darkness.

The lamp in the next room was extinguished, and he looked back into the distance, where there were looming stars.

Alcohol swirled over the tip of his tongue and slipped down his throat. It was cool as if trying to melt the dark flame that was gradually regrowing in his heart.

****

The next day, as usual, Warren went to the company, and Penelope went shopping with Mrs. Brown....