He closed his hand around the watch.
“I’ll find you,” he whispered.
Back at her desk, Evelyn pressed her pencil harder and finished the path that led to the water.
Then she drew two small children beside it, their hands touching the calm surface, their faces lifted to light.
She paused, blinked away sudden tears, and gave the children in the drawing a mother standing just behind them, steady, present, and brave.
The next morning felt light and fast.
People moved through the design floor with a kind of shine in their eyes.
Laughter carried from desk to desk.
New perfume hung in the air.
Heels clicked.
Messages flew.
Have you heard? They said the CEO is back.
Henry Cole himself.
He’s richer now.
More handsome, too.
Ah, I will wear my red dress the day he visits our floor.
Evelyn kept her eyes on her screen.
Line by line, she cleaned a plan.
She checked dimensions twice.
She did not join the whispers.
Kem leaned over, smiling.
Eevee, everyone is so busy today.
All their young ladies are on high alert, ready to impress the CEO.
Evelyn smiled a little.
Let them enjoy.
Are you not curious? I’m thinking about school fees and new shoes, Evelyn said gentle and true.
Curiosity can wait.
Kemy’s smile softened.
You’re a good mother.
Evelyn typed a note on the drawing and saved her file.
In her bag, Nah’s picture, four figures holding hands, rustled softly.
Across the open office, a small group of ladies argued playfully about lipstick shades.
Classic red, nude gloss, quiet but deadly.
Forget lip, I’ll bring ideas.
Men love smart women.
Evelyn took a sip of water and looked away.
She had no space in her mind for a man she didn’t know.
Her day was full already.
Work, the twins, dinner, a quick wash, bedtime stories, and maybe if she didn’t fall asleep on the chair.
A few lines in her sketchbook.
