The Quiet Collapse
Christmas Eve arrived quietly, almost apologetically. The city glittered with festive lights, laughter spilled from passing groups of friends, and church bells rang faintly somewhere in the distance. Yet inside the condo, Maya felt none of the warmth the season promised. Calvin had not returned. At first she assumed he was busy at his parents’ house. He had mentioned spending a few days there, and she had tried to respect that. Still, by evening, the silence began to feel heavy. She called him. The phone rang. And rang. And rang again. No answer. She tried once more, then again, until the repeated sound of the ringtone began to irritate her nerves. Finally she stopped, staring at the screen as if it might explain itself. After a long moment, she contacted his cousin. The reply c
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