My mom seemed to sense something off and anxiously asked, "Chlo, where are you? Why aren’t you home yet?"

Her tone was filled with worry.

I quickly looked out the window and realized it was already dusk, and the sky had dimmed.

I was amazed at how quickly time had flown by. Atlas and I had spent the entire afternoon together. Yet, it seemed like there were still many unanswered questions.

I composed myself and smiled into the phone, trying to sound relaxed. "Mom, I just finished a meeting at the office. Atlas happened to come and pick me up, and we'll be heading back soon."

"Oh, you're still at the office? I thought something happened to you." Her tone was skeptical.

"Oh, come on! What could happen at the office? Don't worry, I'm fine."

"That's good. Hurry back then," she said.

"Sure! I'll be home soon. Bye."

I ended the call hastily because I could no longer control my emotions.

Atlas had been watching me the whole time. Seeing my emotions getting stirred up, he gently lif