My gaze lands on a vase of black orchids on the small writing desk near the door. I stutter to a stop and study them from afar. They must have been delivered when I was in the shower, most likely because it’s my birthday today. Not that I celebrate such a thing. When I step closer, I notice the card attached to it and pick it up to read. My eyes trail over the handwritten note. It’s signed from Wolfgang. Offering his birthday wishes. When the words sink in, I fling the card across the room as if it had spontaneously combusted. A swarm of butterflies explodes in my stomach, my heart
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