Sara Ikkari Rodriguez
I didn’t expect the silence to feel heavier tonight.
The gala was tomorrow, the apartment was spotless, our clothes were ready, and I should’ve been excited. Nervous, maybe. Curious.
Instead, the air felt like it was holding its breath.
Matio had stayed distant the entire evening—answering only when needed, pacing the living room like he was waiting for a storm
only he could see.
I didn’t want to push him.
Not after everything.
Not when the last time I asked if he was okay, he closed up like a locked door.
But tonight…
Tonight was different.
The envelope under the door had been unmistakable.
Light green.
Thin paper.
Same sloppy handwriting.
Another note.
I didn’t open it.
My hands had trembled too much just picking it up.
The envelope now sat on the
