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.

way across the

and gentlemen,”

round, we have an announcement

the edge

even as we face the crowd.

him only serves to prove me

of

will not be joining us for

through the live audience. “Due to a

chosen to withdraw.”

hum, the

announcer continues. “Bryan’s mother has passed away. Let

moment of silence.”

the crowd, I feel my head bow all on its

being a finalist only due to a death. A wave of guilt

don’t belong here

his throat and

the biggest test of skill,” he announces. The atmosphere seems to shift,

of tension and excitement winding through the air again.

a dish that is both

truffle butter

My heart lurches.

That dish. My dish.

my hands moved with the memory

had hunted down those elusive truffles as

a coincidence. It feels like fate. It

way,” I murmur, my breath

a little closer. “I thought

fingers gripping the edge of the counter

I

over the microphone brings us

the moment at

have shown exceptional skill to get

the crowd. “And now, they

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