Nora Seed was stuck in a rut, scrolling through other people's perfect lives on social media, waiting for something to change. And then, out of nowhere, something did.
A stranger appeared at her door, a man she recognized, Ash. He was tall, gangly, and boyish, with a kind face, but his eyes were sharp and bright, like they could see right through her.
Ash wore sports gear, looking hot and sweaty despite the cold, rainy weather. Nora felt self-conscious about her slippers and pajama bottoms, but it was good to see him, especially since she'd been feeling lonely.
'Ash, it's great to see you,' Nora said, smiling. 'What are you doing here?'
Ash revealed that he was training for a half-marathon and had just run into her shop. Nora was surprised, as they hadn't spoken in years. Ash's forehead was tense, and his voice was heavy with something unspoken.
When Ash mentioned that he had to tell her something, Nora's heart sank. He scratched his brow and took a deep breath before revealing the devastating news - her beloved cat, Voltaire, was dead.
Nora's world came crashing down as she stepped out onto the wet pavement, took one look at Volts' lifeless body, and felt a mix of grief and envy. She knew she should be feeling only sadness and pain, but there was something deeper brewing in the darkness.
As she stared at Voltaire's peaceful expression, Nora acknowledged the inescapable feeling - envy. Why had this tragedy befall her, not someone else?
