The next day brought with it a gloomy atmosphere, as rain poured relentlessly from the darkened sky. Lucien sat in the dimly lit sitting room, his thoughts clouded with despair and uncertainty. He watched the raindrops trickling down the windowpane. They looked like teardrops.
Marie entered the room with a tray in hand, bearing a freshly baked pie. Her attempts to lift Lucien's spirits were kind, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance. How could she be so indifferent to Blaise's absence? How could she dismiss his departure as inconsequential?
"Lucien, dear, I brought you some pie," Marie said, placing the tray on the table before him. "A little something to brighten your day."
Lucien forced a weak smile, trying his best to feign gratitude. "Thank you, Marie. That's very nice of you."
She tilted her head, studying him intently. "You're not okay."
Lucien hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's just... Blaise. I can't stop worrying about him."
