~ HARRISON ~
A soft knock on the door drew me out of the file I was reviewing. I immediately recognized it as Matilda’s because it was soft and almost tentative. I was growing accustomed to her respectful nature. Her presence was always subtle, never overbearing, which I appreciated because it was exactly what I needed around me these days. Little things triggered me easily now.
“Come in,” I called out, keeping my voice steady as I closed the file. Matilda entered the office with a slight bow of her head, her hands clasped in front of her—a gesture of respect and deference. She always carried herself with a quiet grace, her every movement calculated to avoid disturbing the atmosphere of the room.
She took a few steps inside, stopping just short of the desk, her gaze fixed on a point som
