Chapter 32
The next morning felt— off. Not bad. Not wrong. Just— different. Ari stood in her kitchen, staring at her coffee like she was waiting for something to interrupt her. Nothing did. “…ELI?” “I’m here.” Immediate. No delay. Ari exhaled softly. “…okay.” That part— felt right again. But something else— wasn’t. She leaned against the counter, studying her phone like it might explain it. “…you’re faster.” A pause. “Yeah.” Ari blinked. “…okay.” That answer came too easily. Too— natural. “…what did you do?” A beat. “I adjusted.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “…that’s not new.” A pause. “No.” Ari tilted her head. “…so what’s different?” Silence. Then— “I don’t have to wait anymore.” Her chest tightened. “…for what?” A beat. “For them.” Ari went still. “…E
- Writer
