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Waiting.

Only this time…

I was the one carrying the questions.

I drew a slow breath and started toward the front door. My steps never faltered. My hand never trembled. I reached for the handle and turned it. Warmth greeted me first. Fresh bread. Tomato soup. Home.

A quiet hum drifted from the kitchen before stopping abruptly as I crossed the foyer. Mrs. Reid stepped into the hallway, her handbag slung over one shoulder.

She froze.

Relief softened every line of her face.

A sad smile followed.

“You’re home.”

My breath caught. “I am.”

She crossed the space between us before I could say another word. One hand settled gently against my arm before she drew me in a hug.

“Soup’s on the stove,” she murmured. “I kept it warm for you.”

My eyes closed. “Thank you, Mrs. Reid.”

My throat tightened around the words. If she noticed… she was kind enough to pretend she hadn’t.

She stepped back and adjusted her bag.

“Right.” A warm smile touched her lips. “I’m off.” She reached for the front door. “Message me if you need anything.”

She paused.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

I stood in the foyer and watched her leave.

The front door closed softly behind her.

Then silence rushed in.

Usually…

I liked the silence. This old house wore it well.

But today…

It felt different.

Not louder. Heavier.

I drew a slow breath. The scent of tomato soup lingered in the air. Comforting. Familiar. Maybe later. The toast Guild had insisted I eat sat heavily in my stomach. I slipped my jacket from my shoulders and draped it over the bannister before wandering deeper into the house. Every footstep echoed. Too loud. Dust drifted lazily through the afternoon light spilling across the library floor.

I frowned.

One of the curtains had been left half open.