ALMOND
I stood still as his hands wrapped around my waist, and his tears dampened my shoulder. I didn't understand what had happened, but witnessing his emotional vulnerability weakened me. Unsure whether to break the hug or let it continue, his words about this being the last time he'd see me filled me with sadness.
His return had come unexpectedly; he had initially said he'd be gone for a while to find answers. I had hoped this would give me time to sort out my thoughts and consider what Isla had told me. However, seeing him right in front of me so broken, had me wondering if he had found the answers he sought and where I stood in his life now.
Throughout the day, I had thought about him, especially during the CEO meetings when he wasn't there. His absence, though irritating, strangel
