za

he thought echoed in the empty lobby. My chest tightened.

to demand answers, to confront him. But I swallowed the urge. What

swer chilled me: an after

figurative keys to my life, using "work" as cover for he

limp. I walked into the cool

isinfectant smell. The room's cost pinched my shrinking

ohen said household expenses tied to his grant would be "more efficiently managed

iletries. Meticulous lists arrived, marked "cost-effective." My allowance, once en

ould say, ignoring my discomfort. "They stay on

supporting Cohen and keeping our household running. Her voi

I'd grown used to the qu

earlier. I'd cooked his favorite meal, lit candles, worn the silk dr

hen his phone lit up. He hesita

chair. "Cell cultures can't wait. We los

annive

ghost of an apology. "Science does

istening to the elevator drop. Kenzie would be waiting i

on my plate. I didn'