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.

makes his way across the stage, his face more somber

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

round, we have an announcement

fingers are curled tightly around the edge of my station. I can

even as we face the crowd. A quick

serves to prove me right; his

of

not be joining us for the final

ripple through the live audience. “Due to a personal

chosen to withdraw.”

hum, the audience looking around at one

continues. “Bryan’s mother has passed away.

moment of silence.”

stretches over the crowd, I feel my head bow all on

strange, being a finalist only due to a death.

that I don’t belong here after my

announcer clears his throat and continues. “Now…

test of skill,” he announces. The atmosphere seems

winding

will be preparing a dish that is both intricate and

black truffle butter and

My heart lurches.

That dish. My dish.

hands moved with the

down those elusive truffles as if they

like fate. It feels

my

a little closer. “I

the edge of the counter even

me, I thought

announcer’s voice booming over the

moment at

exceptional skill to get this far,” he

crowd. “And now, they will face

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