A month had passed, and Zack finally confronted the crushing truth: Claire was dead.
He'd already filed for divorce, awaiting approval. For the rest of his life, he would only ever acknowledge Claire as his wife.
Her memorial tablet gleamed from his daily polishing, her urn placed reverently behind it. Every day, he spent hours there, as if keeping vigil beside her.
He prepared another request; this time, to be transferred back. He would guard their home forever. And he would divorce Hannah.
Clutching the application, Zack marched into his chief's office. The man was absent, so a guard handed him tea and gestured for him to wait.
As he moved to sit, a letter on the desk snagged his gaze. His body froze. Step by step, he approached, eyes locked on the envelope.
"Research Institute 403
