Chapter 54:

Max

I couldn't tell if I had slept even a bit after the park. The peculiar man, Lila's remarks, the silent tension that existed between us—it all churned in my thoughts like a tempest I couldn't evade. However, when my phone vibrated the following morning, her name glowing on the display once more, my heart leaped in astonishment.

"We need to discuss," the message said.

Those three words held no feeling, yet I was indifferent. She desired to converse. That was an advancement.

"Specify the time and location," I responded.

An hour later, I discovered that I was seated in a cozy café at the edge of downtown. It wasn't busy; only a handful of tables were taken by individuals quietly typing on laptops or softly conversing over coffee. As Lila entered, she surveyed the room until her gaze settled on me.

I rose automatically, not knowing why, but she gestured for me to sit down again as she came closer.