Twilight draped the hallway in shadows as a door creaked open. Alicia inched it wider and stole a glance around, her movements furtive like a cat exploring unfamiliar territory.
The corridor stretched empty—not a soul in sight. It was odd, she mused. Even during their cold war, Carlos wouldn't normally give her this much freedom.
She slipped into her shoes and dashed out, stabbing the elevator button. Just as the neighboring door began to swing open, the elevator doors shut behind her with a decisive snick.
A man emerged from the room, his broad shoulders slumped in exhaustion. Hollows underscored his weary gaze as he trudged toward her door. His hand rose—then froze mid-air. Disturb her? Unthinkable. What could he even say? More bitter arguments? Another round of suffocating silence? C
