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.

all the more appealing, especially since both were

firm yet casual,

but I could tell there was a different kind of affection between them, which

of recognition

plain, devoid of

with the milk

gifts to Max? And here I was, thinking she was just

to Max's stash, my few bottles seemed

placing two bottles in the

smile, not committing to

another life, my fondness for milk had led me down a complicated path with Claude, a mistake I wasn't

press further, leaving

wasn't long before Ronald arrived, his annoyance palpable. "Seriously, couldn't you just call a

dragging me

when he saw me sitting calmly on

between Max and me, confusion written all

I didn't expect you

"Shut it,"

snapped, making

pay attention