The next morning, Sylvia was woken by the vibration of her phone. The sun was up, but the sky was overcast, casting a gray gloom over the room.
She fumbled for the phone and answered it. “Hello?”
“Sylvia.” Eugene’s voice came through the line, heavy with grief. “Grandma’s gone.”
Sylvia’s eyes flew open. She was instantly wide awake.
Her mind was still fuzzy, but a wave of sadness washed over her as she thought of the kind old woman.
She sat up. “I’m on my way back.”
After hanging up, Sylvia got dressed and ready.
She then sent a message to the group chat she shared with everyone at the manor, letting them know that something had come up and she had to return to J City. She told them not to see her off and that she hoped their paths would cross again.
Everyone in the group was surprised and sad to see her go. They wished her well and promised to look her up the next time they were in J City.
After replying to a few messages, she started packing.
Before she left, she took one last look at the room she had stayed in for the past few days, then closed the door behind her.
As she came downstairs, Gabriel was just stepping out of his room. He had seen her message and was on his way to find her.
His eyes fell on the suitcase in her hand, and a heavy feeling settled in his chest. “Why are you leaving so suddenly?” he asked, frowning.
“Something came up in J City,” Sylvia replied.
Gabriel stared at her. “Is this about last night? Are you still angry?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s not that. I really do have to go.”
She picked up her suitcase and started for the door. Just as she reached it, Gabriel’s voice stopped her. “Sylvia.”
She paused but didn’t turn around, waiting for him to continue.

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