Julian did not stay inside the apartment.
The quiet had already settled into something that no longer helped him think, and remaining there would only keep him circling the same space without moving forward. He stepped out without hesitation, locking the door behind him before heading toward the elevator.
The ride down passed without interruption. When the doors opened, the city met him already in motion. Cars moved steadily along the street, people walked past without slowing, and the rhythm of the morning carried on as if nothing had shifted.
Julian stepped onto the sidewalk and continued forward.
He did not take his usual route. He did not turn toward the café or the office. He walked with purpose, but without a fixed destination, allowing himself to move without falling back into habit.
For the first few minutes, nothing felt different. Then something did.
