72

72
Edgar Torn
A few days passed.
I tried to keep up with everything: in the morning, college, grading papers, helping students...
After work, I did what I always did, keeping an eye on Sarah.
Finding out where she was going and who she was with.
Especially after what happened at the party. After that kiss in front of her ex... Pietro seemed to have backed off.
He stopped insisting... calling her...
He stopped pursuing her. Pietro stopped provoking her.
Thank goodness, that was a relief.
He probably suspected everything.
Or Sarah told him the truth.
I don't know if they had exchanged messages after that day.
Maybe she told her friends too... and definitely her cousin. There was only one person left to find out about our relationship.
Lucas.
My best friend.
How would he react?
Honestly, I don't know. He might take it well. Or not.
The problem is... they talk to each other. He and Sarah exchange messages. They chat.
And as much as it bothers me, as much as it irritates me, how could I stop them?
How could I say, Sarah, I don't want you to talk to him; you're mine and only mine, and I'm jealous; that's how I am.
She would think I was crazy, for sure.
I trusted Sarah. But not Lucas.
I know he's my friend, but he's a man, just like me.
All I could do was watch. Keep an eye on them. See how she would treat him, if she would keep her distance, if she would assert that she was with me.
Because if he had any ulterior motives... I would notice. And I wouldn't let it go.
Never.
Not that.
I tried to push those thoughts away.
I grabbed a book from the shelf and sat down in the living room armchair.
I was home alone, enjoying the silence.
I needed to relax.
It was the weekend, and I couldn't really rest. My thoughts were always racing.
The book helped a little... until my phone vibrated with a notification.
It was from Sarah.
I opened the app and saw the post she had made.
She had taken a photo.
She was at the bookstore.
Sarah and her cousin.
They were out enjoying their Saturday. Today was a nice day for a walk.
She was smiling, as always.
A light, peaceful smile... She was wearing a light pink dress that highlighted her fair skin, her hair tied back in a loose bun.
Beautiful.
I smiled discreetly, feeling a twinge of relief.
She was in good hands. Her cousin was protective and caring. I knew he would do anything for her.
I put my phone aside for a moment and went back to my book.
But I couldn't concentrate properly.
Even with Sarah texting me every day, even with our relationship stronger than ever, I... wasn't present.
My mind was elsewhere.
I thought constantly about what the detective had told me.
About our last conversation.
About the possibilities.
Describe everything that could be a clue. I had barely spoken to Sarah in the last few days. She noticed. She sent me several messages.
Are you okay, love? You're taking a while to reply.
If you have time today, we could meet, grab a bite, and watch a movie.
If you're busy, that's fine; I understand. I'm here; we can call later.
I replied.
Always kind.
But distant.
I said I was overwhelmed—student exams, reports... and it was true.
But it wasn't enough to keep me so distant.
I just didn't want to worry her. Not now.
She would know as soon as she saw me that I was in a world of my own.
I wouldn't even pay attention to what she said.
And I didn't want that.
I wanted to be attentive to her every word... I needed to sort some things out first.
So I promised her something.
I told her I'd make it up to her soon.
That we'd do something different.
An outing, a day just for us, a new memory.
She was excited. And that gave me some peace.
Finally, she was happy... and so was I... I would keep my promise soon.
But my mind... was still stuck on the investigation.

Today, finally, the day I had been looking forward to had arrived.
The day I would see the detective again.
The day that might, just might, bring me one step closer to the truth.
To the identity of the killer. To freedom for my conscience.
I quickly had some coffee, juice, and fruit.
Then I checked the time on my phone... I had time to get ready.
I went to my room, chose my outfit...
A basic T-shirt, jeans, and black sneakers.
I did my hair.
I put on some cologne, grabbed my bag with my accessories, and left the apartment.
Just stay calm... I thought as I walked to the parking lot.
I opened the car door and got in... I started the engine and accelerated.
There were still twenty minutes until the appointed time.
I accelerated.
My heart was racing faster than the car.
Anxiety made my chest tighten.
I needed answers.
And I knew that soon... I would have them.