Chapter 45: Adhesion

Eli stopped outside Kathryn’s apartment. This had been his home for almost a decade. He had hated it at first, missing the bigger house in midtown. The apartment had felt claustrophobic in comparison, especially in the first few months where Kathryn was trying her best to keep everything together.

He unlocked the door with his key and let himself in. He could smell coffee and pastries. Kathryn would be coming back from brunch at the café. It had been her and her best friend’s tradition since graduating from NWU.

Kathryn had her big mug of coffee in hand and she paused when she saw him. “Eli.”

“Hi,” he said, lamely. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

“It’s fine. I wasn’t doing anything.” She was pleased to see him. He could see it on her face. “Have you eaten? I have those croissants from the bakery nearby.”

“No thank you. I’m not hungry.”