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.

across the stage, his face more somber

and gentlemen,” he

have an announcement to

around the edge

as we face the crowd. A quick

serves to prove me right; his eyes are still glinting

sort of glee.

will not be joining us for the final

through the live audience. “Due to

chosen to withdraw.”

low hum, the audience looking around at one

announcer continues. “Bryan’s mother has passed

moment of silence.”

over the crowd, I feel

finalist only due to a death. A wave of

here after my

the announcer clears his throat and continues.

biggest test of skill,” he

of tension and excitement winding through the air again.

will be preparing a dish that

black truffle butter

My heart lurches.

That dish. My dish.

my hands moved with the memory of it, the

down those elusive truffles as if they were

It feels like fate. It feels

way,” I murmur, my breath hitching in

closer.

hiss, my fingers gripping the edge of the counter even harder

me, I

the announcer’s voice booming over the microphone brings

moment

to

of the crowd. “And now, they will face their final

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255