บท 26: CHAPTER 26: The Diary

　　Panic jolted me awake, the stark sunlight streaming through the window a rude awakening. I scrambled for my phone, the harsh blare of the alarm momentarily drowned out by the frantic pounding of my heart. 8:15 am. I was late for work.

　　Throwing off the covers, I bolted out of bed, the oversized shirt clinging to my sleep-mussed form as I headed out of the room to find Alexander.

　　The living room was empty. Disappointment clawed at me. A part of me had irrationally hoped to see Alexander, to seek some kind of explanation for his coldness last night, even though he had all but told me he didn't want to talk about our kiss.

　　Following the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee, I found myself in a spacious kitchen. A woman who looked to be in her late forties turned as I entered. She wore a crisp white uniform that spoke of professionalism.