Giovanni turned and saw me, his expression instantly panicked, his voice faltering. "Uh... Dr. Lopez, regarding the surgery arrangements for tonight, I think..."
I calmly closed the folder and walked to the elevator without a backward glance.
Behind me, Giovanni stumbled over his excuses.
"I was just discussing the surgery with Dr. Lopez..."
This pathetic performance failed to stir any emotion in me.
It didn’t matter anymore. Tomorrow, I’d be gone forever, and none of this would mean anything.
After work, I opened the door to find Giovanni already at home waiting for me.
He was busy arranging the study, his tone ingratiating. "I got you a brand-new ergonomic chair and an eye-protection desk lamp."
"I also got your favorite milk and snacks." Giovanni smiled.
I glanced at the unusually cozy study but didn’t step inside.
Giovanni looked at me expectantly. "Honey, I bet you’ll love it."
I responded flatly, "Hmm, I like it."
Then I turned and walked into the bathroom. Warm water cascaded over my weary body, but my memories ran uncontrollably backward.