Chapter 22

~Otsana

It's been two days since Ralph returned, and I couldn’t shake the persistent urge to check on him. I didn’t exactly know why. It wasn’t like he cared about my sympathy or would even acknowledge it, but the need lingered. Maybe it was my subconscious trying to connect with him in a way that defied logic. Regardless, I found myself standing outside his office, heart racing.

The thought of entering his office made my nerves jangle. I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I’d get from him. Would he be cold? Dismissive? Or worse, angry? Still, I couldn’t seem to let it go. I had already brewed him a cup of coffee, something simple, yet it felt like an offering, a peace gesture that I wasn't even sure he would appreciate.

I took a deep breath, then another, gathering my strength before knocking on the door. When the door finally opened, my anticipation plummeted. It wasn’t Ralph who answered, but Callan. He stood there with a welcoming smile, his presence immediately putting me somewha