Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I sensed something off about Claude lately, but I knew better than to let my guard down around him.

As I was about to close my door, I caught sight of Dr. Hilton across the hall, his door wide open, eyes fixed on me. It was almost certain he'd seen Claude leave my place. With his lips pursed, I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, especially since he'd met her

earlier

today.

He must have recognized Claude.

Feeling awkward yet compelled, I grabbed a bottle of milk my brother had dropped off earlier and walked over to him. "This is from my brother," I said, handing him the milk without waiting for a response and leaving it at his doorstep.

Then, remembering Ronald, I dashed back to fetch another bottle. "This one's for Mr. Collins," I mused, feeling a sense of warmth towards both men. Without their presence in my life, my untimely demise would've likely remained a mystery.

No sooner had I placed the second bottle down when a summer breeze slammed my door shut behind me.

And, of course, I was locked out.

Biting my lip in frustration, I turned to Max. "Could you lend me your phone? I need to call a locksmith."

"I don't have a locksmith's number. Try Ronald," he suggested, barely concealing the smirk on his face.

about their lives made them all the more

dialed Ronald, his tone firm yet casual,

there was

I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Is this from the

milk bottle was plain, devoid of any branding. How he identified its origin so quickly

simply leading the way with the milk to his fridge, which, to my surprise, was stocked with bottles from

And here I was, thinking she was just being

to Max's stash, my few bottles seemed

like it?" he asked, placing two bottles in the microwave to warm

managed a stiff smile, not

a

press further, leaving the milk

Ronald arrived, his annoyance

dragging me out

me sitting calmly on the sofa, a silent greeting exchanged

me, confusion written all over his

I didn't expect

"Shut it,"

snapped, making

instantly pay attention