Desensitization did nothing; even after watching the video for the tenth time, my hands still shook uncontrollably.
Driving in this state would be irresponsible. I had planned to call a driver, but just as I was about to, someone tapped on my car window.
I hesitated for a few seconds before lowering the window and looking up.
The figure before me was tall, casting a shadow that enveloped me. Once the noise of the outside world was shut out, a strange sense of safety settled over me.
I searched through my muddled thoughts for a few minutes before finally matching the face to the name.
Cedric Linton.
He was a rising star in the tech world of North City, having made a name for himself in the past few years. We'd had a few business dealings, but he was never particularly friendly. Aldric always treated him with subtle hostility.
Naturally, I wasn't close to him either.
But for some reason, no matter the occasion, whether it was a gathering of friends or strangers, I always seemed to see his figure lurking in the background. Tonight, he was here to drive me home.
I didn't want anyone from my social circle to witness my embarrassment, so I tried to refuse. Cedric Linton spoke, his tone cold: "But your hands are shaking."
"I just... don't feel safe."
He leaned in and fastened my seatbelt with practiced ease, starting the engine with a growl. Then he asked, "Where are we going?"
Where are we going?
I stared blankly out the window, lost in thought.
The glass was already frosted over, and the streetlights cast long, proud beams of light, invading my eyes. I never imagined I'd need a reason to go home one day.
"I'm going to Cypress Mansion," I replied quietly.
"I need to go feed my cat."
"Sammy has been having some soft stools lately and refuses to take medicine."
