Emma picked up the note with confused, slightly hurt hands.
"Emma,
I've got urgent work that popped up overnight. I'll be home late tonight. I didn't want to wake you; you looked so peaceful.
Please eat your breakfast. Take the Metro to campus (I left some cash for the fare on the counter). Text me when you get there safely.
Don't wait up for lunch or dinner. Fix yourself something or order takeout. I left my card on the counter.
Sorry for leaving like this.
Love, Dad"
Emma read it three times, trying to figure it out.
Urgent work. Couldn't wake her. Would come home late.
Alexander had never left her a note instead of calling, not once. He always called when he was gone, sent her updates, and checked in all the time.
But today? Just the note.
She texted him when she got to campus, like he asked, "Made it safely. Hope everything's alright."
His reply popped up two hours later, "Good. Sorry, I'm busy. I'll explain tonight."
