Someone was approaching from the opposite corridor. He prepared himself for whatever was to come. Then the person stepped into view.
Atheline's eyes widened.
"Zelpher?"
It was him but he looked terrible. The normally composed man walked with his shoulders slightly lowered, and his clothes were wrinkled as though he hadn't changed them properly in days.
There were dark circles beneath his eyes, his hair was untidy, and the expression on his face carried the exhaustion of someone who had been forced to keep moving long after his body and mind had begged him to stop.
Zelpher didn't notice Atheline. He simply walked past.
"Zelpher," he called but he got no response.
Atheline frowned.
"Zelpher."
The attendant continued. Atheline stepped in front of him.
"Wait."
Zelpher walked through him. Atheline's entire body stiffened. He turned sharply, only to see that Zelpher hadn't reacted.
