Vladimir saw pain in her eyes and he almost called out to her, but he couldn't because of the stares drilling into his back. As soon as Zsofika turned down the alley, he was up and running to the bookstore. His and his dad's house was above it. He entered the shop and quickly went up stairs with a wave to his dad who was handling a customer. He entered their apartment and started to cook dinner.<br/><br/>When he was through, he took his plate and went into his room and ate while updating his short story. A story about how Zack met Clarice at a coffee shop.<br/><br/>--------<br/><br/>He found himself there two hours early. He sat after ordering coffee and waited for her to show. Hope was blooming in his chest even as he tried to stomp it down.