The glass doors slid open as Aec stepped into the lobby, the cool air hitting his face like a reminder that the world was still moving even if his mind wasn't.
His jaw was tight, his pace sharp, eyes fixed ahead.
Then his phone buzzed in his pocket.
Maxie… Sharon's best friend.
Aec slowed for half a second before answering.
"Yeah."
Her voice came through gentle, a little worried.
"Aec… hi. I'm at work. I just wanted to check in. Any update yet?"
He kept walking, shoes clicking on marble, expression unreadable.
"No."
"Okay." A small breath on her end. "It is difficult doing life without Sharon and more difficult knowing there's nothing I can do."
He didn't respond immediately, her voice shaky from the other end.
He stopped by the elevator, pressed the button, watched the numbers descend.
His silence stretched… but it wasn't hostile.
Just heavy.
Maxie spoke again, softer this time.
"Aec… are you okay?"
A muscle in his jaw moved.
The elevator arrived with a soft chime.
