I returned to the event office after Nina's bus disappeared, though no work remained that required another check. Every radio charged correctly, volunteer packets occupied labeled crates, plus the opening key waited inside the approved lockbox. Professional order offered no method for arranging desire without asking the people affected.
Tomorrow's heritage festival could begin without me standing inside the dark office overnight. I still reviewed the emergency contacts because practical certainty felt easier than calling Nina with an answer capable of ending us.
At ten fourteen, Nina's expected message confirmed she had reached her apartment safely. I packed my folder, locked the office with the security worker, then walked toward my apartment before requesting the promised call.
{Kofi: I am ready to answer honestly. Do you still want the call tonight?}
{Nina: Yes. Give me ten minutes, then call.}
