Melanie's POV
After dropping me off at the apartment, Elmer had other appointments and left quickly.
The door closed behind him. The silence was broken only by the low hum of the air conditioner.
I suddenly realized I hadn't stopped since noon: exhibits, meetings, polite small talk, one thing right after the other.
Fatigue washed over me like a slow tide, creeping up to my chest.
I wanted to take a nap and discuss the assignment from Prof. Norman with Elmer later, but my nerves were still running on momentum, trembling like a wheel with the brakes slammed on.
Just as I set my phone down, it rang.
An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen.
Frost perked up, then slowly settled down again—weak but alert.
My finger hovered over the answer button for half a second. For some reason, my
