I dropped my bags with a sigh, the sound of both the bags and my exhale echoing through the vast, cold space of my penthouse. It looked exactly how I felt—hollow and empty. The normally sleek and modern surroundings seemed harsh and uninviting, a stark contrast to the warmth and comfort I’d felt over the past few days. After spending so much time in Em’s company, or enveloped in the lively, familiar chaos of my family, the stillness of this space felt oppressive.
Normally, I’d get over this kind of thing quickly. The solitude would settle around me like a well-worn coat. I’d unpack, pour myself a drink, and move on. But something inside me told me that this time wouldn’t be so easy. This time, the silence wasn’t just a passing phase; it was a heavy, unrelenting weight.
So I did what I al
