𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 - 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘱𝘯

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘟𝘐𝘟

𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐂

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄
___________

Upon your return, you were swiftly ushered into Norman's office. As you stepped inside, the air was thick with tension, heavy.

Norman's expression was stern, his eyes narrowing in displeasure, his face a map of annoyance and concern. He sat by his desk, his hands clasped together.

Finally, he speaks, his voice controlled but filled with frustration. "Where were you?" he asks, his tone leaving no room for evasion or excuses.

"You disappeared without a word." Norman continues, his annoyance growing. "I was worried sick." He lets out a sigh, his frustration clearly written on his face.

Your eyes dropped to the wooden floor. A twinge of guilt stirred within you, a feeling you were experiencing given the circumstances. "I had some business to take care of." you said.

Norman's eyes narrow further at your vague answer, his annoyance evident. "Business?" he repeats, his voice filled with skepticism. "You mean seeking revenge for some demon?"

Norman's tone rubbed you the wrong way.

He slapped a worn stack of papers onto the desk, the familiar sheets fluttering open to reveal your crafted revenge plans.

He leans forward in his chair, holding your gaze, his face a mask of seriousness. "Do you have any idea how worried I was about you? You disappeared without a word, no trace, no message, absolutely nothing! I was going out of my mind with worry."

You reluctantly locked eyes with Norman, the weight of his stare making your guilt heavier. "I know, I'm sorry." was the only phrase that tumbled out of your lips, a feeble attempt to soothe him.

He exhales slowly, his anger and frustration slowly fading, being replaced by a mixture of relief and weariness. "You're sorry." he echoes, his voice softer now. He leans on his desk, resting his chin in his hand, studying you intently.

"You put me through hell for days." he says, his voice still tight but with a hint of exasperation. "I had no idea what happened to you, if you were safe, alive, or dead. You were gone without a trace, leaving no word behind, no sign of where you went or why until we asked Rebecca. I sent people out looking for you twice."

His eyes narrow as he continues, frustration clearly showing in his features, "Why didn't you tell me what you wanted to do? Why did you feel like you had to do this alone?"

You take a few steps forward. "Because I knew if I told you, you would've tried to stop me." You said.

Norman nods, a bitter scoff playing on his lips. "You're right. If I'd known what you were planning to do, I'd have done everything in my power to stop you."

He shakes his head in disbelief, his eyes fixed on you. "Why did you have to be so reckless?" He leans back in his chair, letting out a weary sigh. "You could have gotten yourself killed, you know."

"It was a price I was willing to pay..." You mutter.

"And what about me?" he asks, finally snapping. "What about your friends and family? What if we'd never seen you again?" He's frustrated beyond belief at your recklessness. He's angry, worried, and even a little bit scared.

He's trying his best to keep his emotions in check, but your words have struck a nerve. He looks at you, a mixture of anger, frustration, and concern in his eyes. "Don't you think about how this would affect me? Or how we'd feel if you... didn't come back?"