-like it was taking a deep inhale before the chaos of the week began again. I laced up

the rhythm of my steps and the steady beats of my playlist carry me, eac

ower later, I found myself in a rare mood: productive. I cleaned the apartment,

e my meeting with Lucas. I debated between reviewing my

en the kn

-

lustered. He was tall, with messy hair and a sheepish expression, hol

r you, but Max here got stuck under the couch earlier, and I think he twisted h

g soon, but it didn't feel right to brush

t still wagging his tail enthusiastically. "He's not in too much pain, but I

eved. "Thanks. I'll do that. I ju

ness washed over me. My vision blurred, and

-

lanned

ced was the faint hum of a ceiling fan. The s

, are y

the voice, and I blink

om me, his tie loosened and his express

ed?" I asked, m

"Your neighbor called me after you passed ou

off guard. "How did

ur phone and saw my name in a text. I was already wai

but it still felt surreal. "I don't

. "But you should take better care of yours

unch in the chaos of the day. "I w

aid firmly. "You're not going anywhere

-

artment was sleek and modern, with clean lines and a neutral color palette. It wa

ater and a plate of toast. "It's not much,

quietly, nibbli

hanging between us. Then, out of nowhere, he asked,

question. "I didn't realize it w

just a little. "Next time,

-

and grabbed his jacket. "I'll have a

process how he'd ended up

as he reached the door

and on the doorknob. "Just ta

that, he

but wonder what kind of person Lucas really was. For someone so guarded, he'd s