Dismissing Derek
Keeping my voice calm, I looked at Derek and said lightly, “Derek, maybe it’s time for you to take a break and think this over.” He blinked, clearly thrown by the unexpected tone, and scratched his head in confusion. “Uh, okay,” he mumbled, clearly unsure how to respond. As he turned and walked away, I could almost see the gears turning in his mind, trying to make sense of the subtle shift he hadn’t seen coming.
Dismissing Derek
Return To Chaos
Back in the restaurant, the familiar hum of conversation surrounded me. Near the kitchen, I spotted Maria and Thomas in quiet discussion, their expressions tense. “I just don’t get it, Thomas,” Maria whispered, her frustration unmistakable. I drifted a little closer, curiosity piqued. There was a sense of something unspoken hanging between them, like a giant invisible question mark. It felt like I was stepping into a new puzzle—one I hadn’t even known was there.
Return To Chaos
