SHADOWS AND SILENCE
The Harrison Estate was dark when I finally stepped inside. I left the lights off, letting the city glow filter through the tall windows like a distant, indifferent witness. My heels clicked against the marble floor, each step echoing through the cavernous space that had never felt like home.
I moved to the kitchen on autopilot. The espresso machine sat silent on the counter. The breakfast plate from this morning remained exactly where I had left it, untouched. Another small offering ignored. Another day in five years of small offerings.
I poured myself a glass of water and stood at the island, staring at nothing. The bandage on my palm from the night before had begun to peel at the edges. I pressed it down absently, feeling the faint sting. Adrian had been so carefu
