The Stirring

Leonard sat behind his grand desk. The city skyline stretched out beyond the glass, but his eyes weren't on it. He was staring at his screen, motionless. His fingers rested on the keyboard, unmoving, while his mind drifted far from the spreadsheets and reports displayed before him.

This morning had gone smoothly. He had offered to take Julio to kindergarten, a rare offer that both Claudio and Paula hadn't questioned, only given him a surprised glance. And surprisingly, it had been pleasant. Julio had chattered happily in the car, pointing out clouds shaped like dragons and asking why some buildings had pointy roofs. Leonard had found himself smiling without realizing it.

But then—

There was a moment.

A glimpse.

It might have been his imagination. Maybe he was just losing his mind.

But for a fraction of a second, as he was walking together with Julio to the school gates, he thought he saw—her.

Katherine.