(Reese)
By the time I reached my floor, I already knew what I would see. The hallway would be quiet, nothing out of place, nothing requiring attention. That kind of consistency usually made things easier to ignore. It left no reason to stop or think about anything unnecessary.
I stepped out of the elevator and walked toward my apartment without slowing down. My eyes still moved across the hall before I could stop them. The door opposite mine stayed closed, with no sign of movement. I looked away and focused on unlocking my own door.
Inside, everything stayed where it should. My bag went on the table, my shoes came off at the door, and I moved toward the kitchen without stopping. Water first. That part stayed automatic.
I filled a glass and drank half of it before setting it down. The q
