The world outside Annabel's office had faded into a far-off hum as she was absorbed in her work. A thousand tiny stars against the twilight sky, the city lights started to turn on one by one after the sun had long since set. Her office was now a cozy bright area against the fading scenery as the final orange ray of light vanished from the horizon. Her focus had been on the homepage layouts final design. The dance of colors, fonts and images captivated her mind as her stylus moved with a practiced ease. A tiny contented smile appeared on her lips as she completed a new section, a crisp contemporary layout that flawlessly reflected the business's new look. With her mind still racing with ideas, she stretched her arms above her head while leaning back in her chair. She was unaware of the late hour until she checked the clock on her computer. It was 10:47 p. m. She had forgotten the hours. She felt a slight panic. She had assured Fred that she wouldn't be late or at the very leas
As she walked out of Jude's office, Annabel felt a sense of purpose as the new title of partner weighed heavily on her. Her stride had changed and she now walked with confidence on the smooth marble floor. Outside, the city that had once been a bewildering overwhelming labyrinth seemed to hum with a common goal. In this place people built things, had dreams and realized those dreams. She was now a part of that. The elevator’s numbers flashed by as she descended to her floor resembling road signs. Her office's soft hum was a pleasant sound as the doors opened. It was her own world, a blank canvas. The cool leather of her chair was a familiar comfort as she sank back into it. On her desk, her laptop remained open, its screen a glowing canvas. The blinking cursor was still waiting for her to come back. The cool smooth metal of her stylus felt good against her fingertips as she picked it up. As she gazed at the tablet’s blank page, a profound sense of joy spread throughout her ch
The scent of garlic and roasted chicken filled the air as Annabel entered the apartment. In sharp contrast to the sterile air in her new office, the scent was familiar and reassuring. Fred was humming a tune while stirring something in a pan in the kitchen, his back to her. “I’m back,” she said. He turned with a kind smile. “Welcome home,” he said. He pointed to the table. “The meal is ready.”After they sat down, she filled him in on her day. She informed him about Jude's message, the project, the view and her office. Her fear and the slight shudder of doubt that had attempted to enter were not mentioned. “That’s wonderful, Annabel,” he said. “I had faith in your ability.” His words were a silent confirmation of her choice, a tender embrace. He had the ability to make her believe that she could accomplish anything. “Thank you, Fred.” She said “Don't thank me. It was you who made the leap. The work is being done by you.” He said With the exception of the sound of their fo
Anabelle drew in a breath of fresh air, allowing it to fill her lungs.A panoramic view of the city, a vast canvas of steel and glass was provided by floor-to-ceiling windows. Annabel had a single laptop open in front of her as she sat at a big immaculate white desk. It was both full of the possibilities of her new life and empty of the mess of her previous one. She was still struggling to accept the fact that she and Jude were partners. Only a few days before, she was a directionless woman. She now oversaw a significant project and worked with a man whose name had influence in the field. Reaching out, she touched her laptop's cool metal. In this strange new world it felt like a solid anchor that she could cling to. Her thoughts turned back to the hectic days of feelings and choices she had made. After leaving Carson's mansion, she recalled the terror, the icy knot in her stomach and the silent desperation she had experienced. Her bruised soul was soothed by Fred's words and h
The next morning, Annabel woke with a clear sense of purpose. The sun streamed through the blinds, casting stripes of light across the guest room floor. Fred was already in the kitchen, the familiar sounds of the coffee maker and a distant clatter of a spoon a comforting soundtrack to her morning. She got out of bed and walked to the mirror in the bathroom. The bruise on her cheek, once a vivid purple, had faded to a faint yellow, a nearly invisible mark. It was still there, but it no longer defined her.She dressed in the simple black blouse and trousers she had worn for her interview. This time, however, the clothes didn't feel like an outfit for a job interview. They felt like a uniform. A uniform for a new kind of battle. Her heart was a steady rhythm in her chest, not a frantic drum. She was ready.Fred was seated at the kitchen table, a mug of coffee in his hand. He looked up as she walked in.“Morning,” he said.“Morning,” she said. “I'm going back to the city.”He looked
The apartment was still cloaked in shadows when Annabel heard the key turn in the lock. Her heart gave a small leap. She was still sitting on the couch, Jude’s card a warm spot in her hand. The front door opened and Fred walked in, his presence immediately filling the space with a familiar, calming energy. He dropped his keys in the small bowl on the table by the door.“Annabel?” he said. He noticed her sitting in the dim light. “You’ve been here all day?” he asked.“I went out,” she said. “For a walk and for coffee.” She didn't mention the taxi, the ride to the city, the meeting with Jude. She still wasn't ready to tell him everything.He walked into the living room and sat in the armchair opposite her, the one where he had sat just this morning. The fabric seemed to sigh as he settled in.“How was your day?” he asked. His voice was tired but still gentle.Annabel took a deep breath. She had to tell him. She couldn't keep this to herself. Fred was her anchor. She needed his opi