Connecting Threads.

Prologue.

Carl had been Mr. Caldwell's secretary for five months and was perplexed by the steady stream of men visiting his office. Assuming his boss's infidelity, Carl condemned the behavior as deceitful. He refrained from gossip, aware that his predecessor had been replaced due to similar speculation.

However, Carl's curiosity peaked when two men entered the office simultaneously. Fearing his boss would be caught, Carl anxiously waited. But after an hour, the duo emerged, laughing and embracing each other.

Carl's shock deepened as he realized his assumptions might be incorrect. Had Mr. Caldwell been misunderstood? During lunch, Carl joined the office gossip circle, seeking insight. Despite his initial reluctance, he found himself drawn into their lively discussions.

As Carl listened intently, the group's conversations flowed effortlessly, even when he arrived late. Their animated chatter revealed a different perspective on Mr. Caldwell's relationships.

"Guys, have you heard?" a coworker asked, pausing for dramatic effect.

"What?" the group chimed in unison.

"Mr. Caldwell's been in a polyamorous relationship for almost two years!" the worker revealed.

Gasps filled the room. "You're lying! Wasn't he dating his best friend?" someone asked.

A lady jumped in, "You're behind the times! They've been together for two years. Haven't you seen them coming and going from his office?"

All eyes turned to Carl, who buried his face in his hands.

"Carl should know," someone said. "He's closest to Mr. Caldwell."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Carl insisted.

"Come on, Carl. You're always on top of Mr. Caldwell's schedule," another colleague teased.

"I'd rather mind my own business," Carl said, standing up.

"This is getting out of hand. I'm out of here," Carl added, exiting the conversation.

As he walked away, he thought, Polyamorous? Carl had no idea it was a thing. It's actually kind of fascinating. Who was he to judge?

As Carl walked back to his desk, his mind whirled with questions. Polyamory? He'd never considered it a viable relationship dynamic. But why not? Who was he to judge?

He recalled the countless times Mr. Caldwell's partners visited the office, their laughter and affection evident. It seemed genuine, not a facade.

Carl wondered if his initial discomfort stemmed from societal norms or personal biases. He pondered his own relationships, realizing he'd always assumed monogamy was the only viable option.

A quiet curiosity emerged. What would it be like, to love without boundaries or expectations? To find joy in shared connections?

Well he didn't mind. And he definitely didn't want to think about it further.

bangtan_boogie.