Chapter 39

AURORA. During the car ride to the office, I found myself immersed in the routine of reporting today's work to Nathaniel. He gave me funny quirky remarks that made me chuckle here and roll my eyes there. I tried to focus on what I was saying but he was making it difficult. I noticed something felt strange but I couldn’t put my finger on it. This was a familiar part of our professional relationship, and I'd grown accustomed to the occasional quirks of his demeanor. Yet, something about him today was different, palpably so. At first, I noticed he was extra chatting today, something he usually was not. And then as I spoke, my words carefully detailing the tasks and progress of the day, I couldn't help but notice Nathaniel's penetrating gaze. Those usually composed eyes now held depths of emotion that defied easy interpretation. It was as if a storm brewed beneath the surface of his usually tranquil facade. I couldn’t tell what was going through his mind. Was it because the last time I