Severance

Athena

During the hectic lunchtime preparations, as maids bustled around adorning the dining table and Sebastian engrossed himself in a conversation with his business associates over the phone, the face I had longed for appeared, finally answering my anticipation.

Aaron stood at the doorway, out of everyone in the room, his eyes locked onto mine as if we shared a secret understanding.

A soft gasp escaped my lips, barely audible amidst the chaos, and I instinctively sprinted toward him, enveloping him in a tight embrace. While Sebastian’s arms felt like love and a feeling of home, his arms offered a warmth, they exuded an inexplicable bond that transcended friendship, defying definition.

"You're here..." I whispered, my voice choked with emotion, "I've missed you! How have you been?"

He slowly wrapped his arms around me, embracing me in return. "I've been surviving," he sighed wearily, reminiscent of a weary traveller returning home after a long journey. "And you? How's your health?" H