Sebastian did not move. He stayed slumped against the cold surface of the desk. He did not want to see anyone. He did not want any contact with the world.
The doorbell rang insistently for over a minute, and when no one answered, it finally stopped. A moment later, it gave way to a measured knocking, accompanied by a woman's gentle, tentative call.
"Sebastian, Sebastian, are you home? Open the door, please. It's me, Vivienne."
Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he raised his head. The face that had once been so handsome held nothing now but despair. He stood up and walked, step by step, to the door. Through the peephole he saw the immaculately made-up face on the other side. Vivienne's brow was faintly furrowed, her eyes full of urgent concern.
"Sebastian, you're not picking up your phone. I
