Nora thought hard but her mind was spinning while doubts and suspicion took over. What she heard from him stayed in her mind because he revealed, "I used to work for Eric's father.". Who was this man? He wanted Nora far from Eric because of an unknown reason. Despite the chilly nighttime temperature she continued to grow more upset. She desired authentic details about her situation rather than receiving further vague guidelines. He resisted her every attempt for information. She yearned to discover the truth because he did not stop her inquiries. The man gripped his coat pockets and appeared ready to defend himself physically. Nora saw through his protective expression to sense what he tried to hide beneath. Regret? Fear? She couldn’t tell. She held the question firm as she asked it one more time because she would not accept silence any longer. “What does that mean? What were you to him?” He looked away from her and toward the horizon with a small movement of his head

From its leisurely position the sun painted the Rodriguez estate with its golden radiance which fell upon both the trimmed hedges and the garden beds that Eric had tended for twelve months. Only consistent and thorough repetition could have produced the flawless condition of the estate grounds. The perfectly maintained grass reached a precise point between short and long. Flower beds displayed a synchronized display of various colors. Silent artifacts of both finance and organization remained behind the topiaries after their sculpting process.Eric dedicated all his time to this residence spending every hour and day of his existence.From his knees he studied the floral line of petunias as a petal felt as delicate as silk beneath his thumb. The current dampness in the soil remained from the pre-dawn watering and the earth released its fragrant smell across the sky. His activities of digging, planting and pruning operated like a trance which brought him calmness by drowning out mental

Eric remained still under the scorching sun, his hands quivering slightly as the paper that fell between his fingers soaked up the moisture from his palms.The envelope was already torn open. What he saw inside was a blow to the solar plexus, a straight shot to the middle of his chest, and he could not breathe in the hot, muggy midday air.A letter, formal, official, and impersonal.He read the opening lines again, his eyes scanning the crude black print, searching desperately for some concealed word or sentence that would lessen the impact, some reason that would make everything add up.But there wasn’t one. Only brutal finality.This letter serves as official notification of the termination of your employment at the Rodriguez Estate, effective one week from today…The words fuzzed a little, his vision constricting at the periphery, but he made himself continue reading.And then the following section:"By way of gratitude for your devotion throughout the years, you will be granted a

Eric clutched the key so hard his knuckles went white.He inserted it into the lock, and scowled.It didn't turn.Didn't give.The door… was already open.Eric stood still.A shiver of unease swept over him, cold as ice, even though sweat continued to run down his face.He tightened his hold on the doorknob and pushed it cautiously, softly.The door groaned open, reluctant and slow, as if fighting him.A creaking, low sound that resembled an echo down the empty hallway.Eric stepped in.The space was dimly lit, with only the dull gray light of the windows.The scent of Lisa's perfume, floral, soft, once soothing, was faint now.Almost gone.Eric's heart racing as he stepped inside."Lisa?" he said softly, tentatively.No response.The apartment felt… wrong.Hollow in a way he couldn't articulate.He swallowed hard and went further in, his boots thudding softly on the wooden floor.The living room was neat.Too neat.The throw blanket that always hung sloppily over the couch was folded

The apartment was too quiet.Eric's footsteps reverberated as he stumbled into the living room, the silence of the room only fueling the chaos that had assumed control over him. He did not even try to switch on the lights. The room did not merit the clearness. Nor did he.The envelope that Oliver had presented him with some time ago was tossed on the coffee table, its crisp corners now wrinkled from the multitude of times Eric had grasped it in trembling hands. The wedding invitation glimmered in the dim light from the streetlamp outside. Tasteful. Tormenting.Only an address. Only a date.No names. No faces. Silence.He scowled at it, teeth gritted, eyes searing with fatigue, betrayal, and heartbreak.Lisa had really done it.After everything.After the nights she wept in his arms. After the dreams they sketched on cheap ceilings. After the meals they prepared together, laughing at spilled spices and scorched rice. After the pain they'd shared. After the promises.She walked away.Wo