78 - Every day and every night

After bidding the final guest farewell, Isaac entrusted the ballroom’s aftermath to Tom’s capable hands. As he began to climb the grand staircase, each step echoed softly against the marble floors, mingling with the distant, fading chatters of the staff that was still buzzing downstairs. Likewise, the air held a faint scent of champagne, clinging to him as he ascended with heavy strides and slight hesitation.

At the top of the landing, the hush of the empty hallway pressed heavily against his senses. He paused before his bedroom, but instead of entering, he turned and lingered outside the door across the hall. For a minute, he stood still, just staring at the heavy door.

“Charlie…” Isaac finally called to his wife, but not a sound echoed behind those walls. But it was late, so she might already be resting.

Yet the longing to see her tugged at him, leaving him restless and unsteady. As he reflected on the evening’s event, regret coiled in his chest. He realized belatedly he had made an