The evening stars

I am happy

They woke up together the next morning, sinking into the softness of the bed and the warmth of each other. The sun rays filtered through the thin curtains, and the air in the room was filled with tranquility. Stephen, still not fully awake, reached out to Sophie and pulled her close to him, his voice hoarse from sleep:

— I feel like I've never slept so long, — he said, holding her close and enjoying her warmth.

— Do you usually wake up early? — Sophie turned to him, her hair spread out on the pillow.

— Yes, you can get more done in a day this way, — he smirked, looking at her.

Sophie smiled, realizing how seriously Steven took his work. But this morning tranquility was especially dear to him.

— By the way, about business, — she said, recalling the inevitable obligations, — when are we going back to Chicago to pick up our things and quit Mode? — Her voice was calm, but she felt a slight anxiety, knowing that many changes awaited them ahead.

Stephen paused for a moment and replied:

— We can do it today if you want. It's important to me that you feel comfortable.

Sophie exhaled, feeling a bit more relaxed, but one thought kept spinning in her mind, and she cautiously asked:

— Won't your parents mind Sky? — She was talking about her dog, and her voice was a bit excited.

Stephen smiled broadly, as if the question was amusing:

— Of course not, how could anyone be against that little face? — He stroked her back, his fingers gently touching her skin. — She will definitely become friends with Tito.

Sophie laughed, imagining her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel running around the yard with a big horse, and it calmed her down a bit.

— Shall we go this evening then? — she asked, pulling closer to him.

— Yes, — he agreed, — we'll manage to sort everything out before the New Year.

These words sounded like a promise for the near future — calm, cozy, and full of shared plans. Sophie was glad that they would take this step together.

The flight lasted all night. Sophie and Steven, weary from the last few days and the holiday hustle, spent most of the journey dozing under the peaceful hum of the airplane. When the plane began to descend and the first glimpses of morning light appeared in the windows, Sophie opened her eyes. Their flight landed in Chicago around eight in the morning. Inside the city, it was cold and gray, snow covered some parts of the street, and the airport was in its usual morning rhythm, with crowds of hurried passengers.

— Let's go straight to the office, we'll sort out the issues with the resignation and say goodbye to our colleagues, — suggested Steven, pulling his coat over his shoulders.

Sophie nodded, still not fully awake, but agreeing with his plan.

— Yes, let's go, — she replied softly, feeling a slight excitement about the upcoming day.

They headed to the parking lot, where their car was waiting for them. The city seemed not to have fully woken up yet, and the streets were quiet. On her way to the office, Sophie looked out the window, pondering how quickly everything had changed. Just recently, she couldn't have imagined that her life would take such a sharp turn.

When they arrived at the office, which was just beginning to fill up with employees, Steven opened the door, letting her go ahead. At the entrance, they were greeted by Chloe.

— Good morning, — she said, looking at Steven and Sophie in surprise, — You're up early today.

— Yes, and we're leaving for a short while, — Stephen glanced at Sophie and, feeling her support, added, — We're both leaving.

Chloe froze, as if she couldn't believe her ears, realizing that this decision was already final.

They walked to their workplace, and Sophie and Stephen wrote their resignation letters, which they handed to Chloe, asking her to give them to the magazine's director.

— Please deliver everything as intended, — Stephen said calmly, extending his statement. — Thank you for everything, Chloe.

Then Steven asked all the employees to gather in the lobby at the reception desk. The office had already started to come alive, employees hurried for their morning coffee and set up their laptops at their workstations. But when they heard Steven's request, curiosity got the better of them, and soon everyone gathered in the spacious foyer.

Stephen stood before the team, his confidence and calm always commanded respect, but today there were hints of farewell in his voice.

— Today I am stepping down as editor-in-chief, — he began, meeting the gazes of his colleagues. — And Sophie is leaving the position of my assistant.

The hall filled with a light murmur of surprise and whispers, but Stephen continued:

— I want to thank all of you for the years of working together. Together we created something special, and I will always cherish our collaboration. You are wonderful people, and it was a pleasure working with you.

After a brief but heartfelt speech, Stephen gathered his few personal belongings into a small box. Sophie, looking at him, understood that this was an important moment for him — to leave behind years of work and dedicate himself to something new.

When they found themselves alone again, Stephen turned to her:

— So, what's up? Are you ready to leave these walls behind? — He looked at her, smiling slightly sadly.