|Katherine|
“Yes, Noel?” I answered the moment I picked up his call, my voice sharper than I intended. He’d been trying to reach me since lunchtime, and only now, hours later, had I managed to clear enough space in my schedule to respond.
“Hello, Ma’am Kat?” Noel’s voice filtered through the line. Careful. Hesitant. Almost as though he were walking on glass.
My brows knitted together instantly. He never sounded like this. “Is something wrong, Noel?” I asked, my tone quick, sharper now with unease.
Before he could reply, a light tap brushed my shoulder. I turned, startled, only to find Giana smiling at me. She waved cheerfully, mouthing, I’ll go ahead. Then she pointed toward the street she always took home. I nodded in return, forcing a small smile, and waved back as she disappeared in
