210

MAXINE

I was getting painfully used to Ronan.

I almost started to look forward to his footsteps outside my door. It was different than the others. He wasn't loud but his steps were confident. He wore boots, almost all the time.

I anticipated the door unlocking and the soft shuffle of boots against the stone floor as he slipped inside my room. This time was no different, so I thought. I heard the familiar sounds. But when he stepped inside, I knew something was off.

Ronan didn’t greet me with his usual smirk or even a sarcastic comment. His eyes were dull. It didn't have the sharp glint of malice that was usually dancing in his eyes. Instead of the easy swagger, his movements were slower, almost hesitant.

I couldn't recognize the man standing before me. This looked like a shadow of him. “Ronan?” I called carefully. I didn’t dare take a step closer. Not until I knew what mood he was in.

He didn’t answer right away. His eyes wandered around the room. It was as if he’d never seen it befor