Duke’s door opened. “Hello, Bryson.”
“Duke!” Bryson waved at Duke’s neighbour. “All good here! Thank you!” He pushed past Duke and sat hard on the foot of Duke’s bed. “Oh, my God, I’m beat! Do you have water? I have the best news…”
For the second time in what felt like mere moments, words died on Bryson’s tongue. He looked around the room. All the cupboard doors and dresser drawers were open, showing empty interiors. A garbage bag stood in the middle of the kitchen area, filled to the top with an assortment of boxes and packages. A large duffle bag sat on the floor beside the bed, full of clothes. It took him a swallow to find his voice. “Spring cleaning?”
“Something like that.”
Bryson stood. “What’s going on?”
It took a few seconds for Duke to reply. “I’m leaving.” He grabbed the duf
