Though it had only been a four-week absence from work, Rupert felt that it had been much longer — Kat’s return, Matthew’s imminent death, making some peace with his father, Neti gone and then, Athena; her presence had made all the difference to him during this time, and soon she would also leave.
Seated at his desk in his office, Rupert turned to the window and took in the long familiar view. The early morning light gave clarity to the silver birch trees and the sandstone wall of the building. The sporting oval, freshly mown and moist from the previous night, glowed in the sun. He had witnessed many moods of nature through this window, though, he expected his own moods probably coloured his interpretations. He viewed today with some optimism. Though Neti was gone, his resolve the night be
