Barbara proceeded to talk a lot to him.

Leaning on the chair, Mason listened to his grandmother quietly as a lump began to form in his throat. After a brief pause, he responded softly, “I’ll do that!”

Hanging up the phone, he raised his head and looked at Zoe’s apartment.

Evening rolled on and the apartment was lit by a small lamp with an orange glow.

All of a sudden, he wondered what she was doing in there. Was she cleaning up the place and making snacks, like she normally did?

It was nothing more than a mundane sight, but it was a sight he might not be able to see with his own eyes again.

…

It was raining when Mason drove back to the manor. Layla came over with an umbrella and opened the car door for him.

He asked without thinking, “Where’s Zoe?”

Layla was stunned for a little before responding softly, “Ms. Zoe had moved out! Did it slip your mind, Mr. Mason?”

He was rooted to the spot at her response. The rain continued to pour and masked some of his expressions. He rema