It was a bright and sunny day when the clock on Lillian's phone changed to five o'clock, indicating that it was quitting time! Lillian pushed herself back in her rolling chair away from her desk and computer, stretching her arms above her head. "Thank God! I was ready to start falling asleep!" She laughed, rubbing the back of her head as she stood. "I'll see you tomorrow, Elijah! Have a good night!" She smiled, waving to her working neighbor and best work friend, Elijah. She and Elijah had started working at this company on the same day, and because of this, they became friends quickly. Elijah was kind and sweet, always a hard worker, and everyone admired him, even Lillian. They worked together like a perfect pair and he always made her day at work better.
Lillian's phone buzzed and she saw it was a text from her boyfriend, Chad. The text simply said, "Pick up dinner. Take out. Chinese." Lillian frowned a little. Why was takeout such a bad idea to Lillian? Well, it was her and Chad's two year anniversary, and their relationship had simply begun to get rocky. They hadn't been intimate in months, and it felt like they were getting more and more distant. But, tonight, she hoped to rekindle their connection! So, she forced a smile and sent back, "Alright! I'll pick up some chinese and will be home soon! Love you ❤️ " She watched as the text was read, and then.... nothing. A minute passed. Then two... and still, no response. Lillian felt a pang in her chest. Not even a 'love you too'? Nothing?
Lillian cast a glance over at Elijah, forcing another smile. "See you tomorrow." With that, she headed to the front door. She didn't want Elijah to see the tear that slipped down her cheek.
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