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I sat.

Adjusted my chair.

And stared at the empty placement.

The old clock.

Tick.

Tick.

Tick.

I looked to the hallway.

Nothing.

I waited.

Five minutes.

Maybe ten…

I didn’t touch the food.

I just sat there.

Listening for every creak in this damn house.

The last ribbon of steam disappeared from her tea.

My chest tightened.

I slowly rose, walked toward it. Carried it back to the kitchen. Made her a fresh cup. Because… she likes it hot.

Steps resounded.

I placed her cup back down.

Then sat.

Glanced at the hallway once more.

Then I served.

Three spoons.

The fork scraped against the plate.

Loud.

Too loud.

The room swallowed the sound.

I ate.

One bite.