The morning carried a different weight.
It wasn't heavier, Just… sharper. Like everything had shifted slightly into place overnight, even if nothing had visibly changed. Jay stepped out of his car, the door closing behind him with a quiet click that echoed just a little too loudly in the stillness of the parking lot.
He adjusted his sleeve absentmindedly, his gaze lifting toward the building ahead. Work. Routine. Structure. It should have felt normal.
It didn't.
His phone buzzed in his hand just as he started walking.
He glanced at the screen.
Michael.
Jay answered without slowing his steps. "Yeah, what's up, man?"
"I'm good," Michael's voice came through, casual as always. "Just checking something. When are you resuming?"
Jay let out a quiet breath, his free hand sliding into his pocket. "Tomorrow. Of course."
"Thought so," Michael said. "We'll go together."
Jay gave a small nod even though Michael couldn't see it. "Okay."
