When Ryan walked into the house, it was quiet. Too quiet.
Usually at this time, Carl would be in the kitchen making their dinner, and the scent of warm food would fill the house. He would look up with a soft smile and wave him over. Ryan would walk over, they would hug, and ask each other how their day went.
He hadn't realized how cold the apartment was without Carl's presence. The silence was almost deafening. Even the hum of the refrigerator sounded louder than usual.
He removed the key from the lock and placed it on the shelf. The sound attracted the cats, and a soft meow rang from the hallway.
A few seconds later, Adalia and Jasmine appeared. Jasmine immediately started pawing up his pant leg, while Adalia circled his feet.
"Hello," Ryan murmured, leaning down to pet both of them before straightening again. His gaze traveled around the house. It looked exactly the same as he had left it. His heart fell.
