Abby

The air in the studio feels dense with anticipation as Karl and I walk back to our

station together. The crowd murmurs as they become aware of the implications:

that only Daniel and I are returning, and Bryan, the third contestant, is nowhere

to be found despite the fact that the winners of the second round were never

officially announced.

“You okay?” Karl murmurs as we take our spots, standing next to each other

with our shoulders touching.

I nod and shrug at the same time, a sense of guilt and trepidation washing over

me. “Yes. Sort of. Maybe. I don’t know,” I murmur, clearing my throat subtly.

Enter title…

Karl shoots me a confused look from beneath his blue surgical mask. “What

does that mean?” he asks, worry lacing his voice.

I can’t contain my sigh. “It means that, if it weren’t for Bryan’s mother dying, I

wouldn’t be standing here right now,” I say quietly. “And I’m not sure how to feel

about it, if I’m being honest.”

Karl is silent for a moment before he speaks. “Listen, Abby, I know it’s a shock.

But—”

Suddenly, before he can finish, the director holds up his fingers and begins

counting down from three. The stage falls silent, and the cameras begin rolling.

the stage, his face

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he starts, “before we proceed to

we have an

the edge of my station.

unyielding, even as we face

at him only serves to prove me right; his eyes are

sort of glee.

for

the live audience. “Due to a

chosen to withdraw.”

murmur turns into a low hum, the

has passed away. Let us have

moment of silence.”

the crowd, I feel

finalist only due to a death. A wave

don’t belong here after my

the announcer clears his throat and

biggest test of skill,” he announces.

excitement winding

be preparing a dish that is both intricate

black truffle butter

My heart lurches.

That dish. My dish.

hands moved with the memory of it,

those elusive truffles

coincidence. It feels like

I murmur, my breath hitching

leans a little closer.

the edge of

me, I thought so,

announcer’s voice booming over the microphone brings

moment

have shown exceptional skill to get

the crowd. “And now,

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