434: Tempest of Emotions

Emma retreated into the sparse comfort of her apartment, a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions within. It was her sanctuary near work, a place for solitude, and today, more than ever, she needed the quiet. The thought of facing anyone from home, with their silent judgments and unspoken questions, was too much. As the city hummed below, Emma replayed the confrontation with Bauer over in her mind. Each replay sharpened her anger—a corrosive mix of indignation and wounded pride. Why did Bauer get to dictate the terms of their relationship? Wasn't it supposed to be a mutual commitment? The more she dwelled on it, the more unjust it seemed, fueling a rising tide of resentment. Emma’s frustration boiled over, and she reached for his phone. He punched in Bauer's number, her fingers stiff with tension. But as the call went unanswered, Emma's anger met the cold wall of Bauer's indifference. The phone slipped from her grasp, landing softly on the bed—this time, she restrained herself from