Echoes of Absence

I stared at the note, my eyes tracing the uneven lines of Hange's handwriting, as if searching for a hidden message or a clue to the questions swirling in my mind. The coffee table seemed to loom over me, the note a tangible reminder of Hange's sudden departure. I felt a chill run down my spine as I read the words again, my heart sinking with every passing moment. Gone to meeting. Will be back soon. Love you. The words seemed hollow, lacking the reassurance I desperately craved. As I sat there, frozen in uncertainty, my gaze drifted around the room. The pale light casting an eerie glow on the walls seemed to amplify the sense of desolation. I noticed the faint scent of Hange's cologne lingering in the air, a bittersweet reminder of his presence, and his absence. My eyes landed on the couch, where we had sat together just hours before, and the memories of his warm breath on my skin, his gentle whispers, came flooding back. I threw off the blanket and got up, my bare feet padding softly on the floor. The room seemed empty, the silence oppressive. I wandered over to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal a cityscape bathed in a dull, gray light. The sky was a deep, foreboding shade, with clouds that seemed to swirl and twist in every direction. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed out at the city, wondering where Hange was, and what he was doing. As I stood there, lost in thought, my mind began to wander. What kind of meeting could Hange have that required his absence for so long? And why hadn't he told me about it? The questions swirled in my head, creating a maelstrom of anxiety and fear. I felt like I was drowning in uncertainty, unable to find a lifeline to cling to. The sound of my phone buzzing on the coffee table broke the silence, shattering the fragile calm I had managed to find. I hesitated for a moment, my heart racing, before picking it up. The screen displayed a text from an unknown number: "Hey, it's Levi. Hange okay? He didn't show up at the meeting and we're getting worried." I stared at the message, my mind reeling with implications. Levi was Hange's closest friend, and if Hange wasn't with him, that meant he was truly gone. I quickly typed out a response, trying to keep my emotions in check. "He's fine, just had to step out for a bit. I'll make sure he gets in touch with you soon." I hesitated, wondering if I should reveal more, but something held me back. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched, that unseen eyes were trained on me, waiting for me to make a move. As I put down the phone, I felt a sense of unease settle over me. The room seemed to be closing in, the shadows deepening and darkening. I knew I had to do something, to take action, but what? I thought back to the note, the hasty handwriting, the words that seemed to dance on the page. I remembered the way Hange's eyes had looked, the way his voice had sounded, and I knew I had to find out what was going on. With newfound determination, I walked over to the closet and pulled out a jacket. I would go out and find Hange, to confront him about his absence and his secrecy. As I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes were wide and haunted, my skin pale and drawn. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I had to find Hange, to make him talk, and to uncover the truth behind his mysterious departure. The city beckoned, its secrets waiting to be uncovered, and I was ready to face whatever lay ahead.