Independence

Chapter 0123

The snow began to fall again at 10:00 pm. Paul snapped his umbrella shut, giving it a quick shake to dislodge the snowflakes clinging to it. They melted away almost instantly.

The experiment had hit a few snags, leading to a cascade of complications. Even he was feeling a bit worn out from trying to keep everything on track.

The Christmas spirit grew stronger as the year wound down, filling the air with festivity.

Paul hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days. But today, the experiment’s data had finally been adjusted to safe levels. With Christmas just around the corner, he decided to give everyone two days off.

Paul reached for his keys. Just as he was about to turn the door handle, he

heard a noise behind him.

A warm, golden light seeped through the crack in the door, lighting up the hallway and casting a cozy glow over him. The once–dim corridor was suddenly filled with light, and Miranda’s voice, as comforting as a hearth on a cold winter’s night, followed.

“Dr. Jefferson, you’re home early today. Bonnie from the third floor just became a grandmother. She brought over some cupcakes this afternoon. I have your share with me. Give me a moment, and I’ll get them for you.”

Paul’s senses were usually keen, but when her clear, gentle voice filled the air, it was as if his mind took a moment to catch up. It wasn’t until she handed him a small wicker basket, filled with dainty cupcakes and a thermos of homemade beef and lentil soup, that he fully came back to the present.

It took him a moment before he finally managed to say, in a quiet, raspy voice,” Thank you.”

A cold draft swept through the hallway, making Miranda shiver slightly. “I warmed up the soup. Make sure you eat it while it’s hot. I’ll close the door now.”

Alright.”

The brief warmth of light vanished as the door closed behind her.

1/3

Chapter 0120

+25 BONUS

Paul stepped into his apartment and flicked on the light. The empty room felt especially cold and quiet today. He rubbed his aching forehead as he unscrewed the lid of the thermos.

The soup was still steaming, with bits of parsley floating on top, and the carrots had softened to perfection. He took a bite. The flavor was just right.

He glanced at the cupcakes beside him, a slight frown of indecision flickering across his face, but eventually, he picked one up. It wasn’t too bad having it as dessert after the beef and lentil soup.

Soon, warmth spread through his body. He lounged lazily on the couch, letting his thoughts wander while feeling his mood gradually lighten.

His phone buzzed a few times on the table, and he knew exactly who was texting without even looking.

He’d been living abroad for the past few years and always missing out on family gatherings back home. With plans to be in the country long–term this year, family gatherings were bound to happen.

As expected, Paul’s night was flooded with WhatsApp messages after ignoring the phone call this morning. He picked up his phone.

Sure enough, most of the messages were from his mother, filled with probing questions and concern. A few were from his relatives to check how he was doing.

But there was one message from his father. It was much like his mother’s, urging him to come home for a visit.

Paul replied to each message, reassuring them that he would wrap up his work as soon as possible.

After setting his phone down, his eyes drifted to the empty thermos. The soup was nearly finished, with just a couple of carrot pieces left.

Suddenly, it hit him that when he returned home in a few days, it would probably be after Christmas before he saw her again.

Would she stay in Jandersville for the holidays?

2/3

Chapter 0123

+25 BONUS

Paul had tried several times to return the thermos, but he could never seem to catch Miranda at home.

The reason was simple. Miranda had already packed her bags and was on her way to the train station. In the six years she’d been ay, she hadn’t made it back home even once.

She hesitated on the ticket purchase screen on her phone, wavering between decisions. She exited the app several times, only to come back to it.

Eventually, she pressed the button to buy the ticket. She knew some things couldn’t be avoided and had to be dealt with sooner or later.