Ryan barely slept. When morning came, it found him at his desk, sleeves rolled, eyes bloodshot, her letter unfolded in front of him like scripture he couldn’t stop reciting. Every word carved deeper, every line accusing him of something he could no longer undo.
He didn’t go into the office. Instead, he called Tevin.
“Meet me at Gennings,” he said simply.
There was a pause on the line, heavy and wary. “Ryan, you sure?”
“I’m already on my way.”
He hung up before Tevin could argue.
The drive blurred, his thoughts circling relentlessly. He gripped the wheel, knuckles pale, Eve’s handwriting flashing in his mind: By the time you read this, I’ll be gone.
The restaurant came into view, unassuming on the corner of a busy street. Its windows were fogged from the morning rush, the scent of fr
