In the quiet stillness, she heard Derek's gentle, amused voice.
"I think... I kind of miss you."
His lingering words slipped into her ears, sending a tingling shiver down her spine.
Bonnie pinched her fingers nervously. "...I'm hanging up now!"
"Wait." His voice was low and warm, as if coaxing a little girl. "Can we talk a bit longer? I've been home alone these past few days."
He paused, then chuckled softly. "Suddenly... it feels a little lonely."
Bonnie froze, instinctively stopping in her tracks.
...
In the dim, spacious living room, Derek sat alone on the couch. The lights were off, casting the space in a quiet gloom. His gentle smile as he spoke somehow tugged even harder at the heartstrings.
Bonnie felt an odd tightness in her chest and frowned. "Did you eat dinner?"
"Not yet."
