CHAPTER 36 AN UNEXPECTED VISIT

Fred stood behind the counter, the hustle and bustle of the lunchtime crowd providing a welcome distraction from his thoughts. But despite the steady stream of customers, he couldn't help but notice the empty chair where Rose usually sat. She hadn't shown up for her usual bowl of soup, and Fred couldn't help but worry. He tried to convince himself that she was just busy or maybe feeling under the weather, but deep down, he knew something wasn't right. As the last customer left, Fred started to tidy up, his mind racing with questions and concerns. With the day's work done, Fred couldn't shake the worry that had been gnawing at him all afternoon. Without Rose's number, visiting her was his only option. After locking up the restaurant, he made his way to the building where Rose lived, using the memory of dropping her off the day before to guide him. As he approached the door, his heart raced. He wasn't sure if she would be home, or if he would be overstepping any boundaries by showin