The Unwritten Chapters

Chapter 2. Phantoms

The morning air buzzed with the familiar sounds of fingers tapping on keyboards and the low hum of computer fans. Dominic sat at his cluttered desk, a sanctuary that reflected his eclectic interests. Action figures from Bleach and Gravity Falls stood guard alongside figurines from his favorite video games, while a framed photo from a beach trip with friends—Finn, who had moved to Norway earlier in the year, and Hiko—reminded him of happier times.

As a software developer for a major tech company in Paradise Heights, Dominic spent countless hours hunched over his computer, his eyes scanning lines of code. The comforting aroma of coffee mingled with the soft glow of his monitor, creating an atmosphere of productivity he cherished. But today was different.

His normally sharp mind felt clouded, each keystroke a struggle. Typos and misplaced parentheses disrupted his flow, frustration mounting as the code stubbornly resisted his attempts to correct it. All the while, the memory of seeing Serena yesterday flickered in his mind like a faulty bulb, illuminating thoughts he desperately tried to suppress. The idea that she was just a message away—so tantalizingly close yet seemingly out of reach—made focusing impossible.

A mental tug-of-war raged within him, a battle between his desire to be productive and the relentless pull of his emotions. Each wrong keystroke felt like a reminder of his uncertainty. After yet another mistake, he slammed his fist against the desk, startling a few colleagues nearby. "I uh...I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice strained, before escaping to the break room.

The break room buzzed with chatter as Dominic paced, a cup of water clutched in his hand. Memories from years past replayed like a movie on repeat. He wanted to reach out to Serena, but their last interaction had been anything but amicable. Each step was heavy with the weight of "what ifs." What if she was still angry? What if she found his actions creepy? What if she blocked him the moment he reached out?

Sweat trickled down his temple as uncertainty etched lines on his face, his heart pounding like a drumbeat. Leaning against the wall, he took deep breaths, desperately seeking clarity. The thought of her unblocking him on Instagram sent a jolt of confusion through him. Had she forgiven him? Back then, her anger had been palpable. But they were younger then, and perhaps time had dulled the sharp edges of their past.

Every passing second brought new questions, new uncertainties. He missed Serena deeply—her absence a constant ache in his chest. Her unique perspective and insightful observations had always been a source of comfort. He longed for her endless rants, her enthusiastic opinions, and the playful banter that had once filled his days.

As he prepared to make another lap around the break room, his boss, Mr. Mayfield, burst in. A seasoned veteran with a no-nonsense demeanor, Mr. Mayfield's presence could cut through any conversation. "Killian," he barked, his voice echoing. "Why are you pacing around like a caged animal?"

Dominic froze, caught off guard. "I'm sorry, sir," he mumbled, barely above a whisper. Mr. Mayfield raised an eyebrow, studying him with concern. "Something's bothering you, kid. This isn't just an off day."

Dominic hesitated, debating whether to confide in his boss. He knew Mr. Mayfield had a tough exterior but a soft spot for his employees. But how could he explain that he was freaking out over a girl? "Look, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. Maybe you should take the day off. Come back when your head is clear," Mr. Mayfield suggested. Dominic nodded, grateful for the reprieve.

He walked out of the break room and past his coworkers, their curious glances barely registering in his mind. Navigating the bustling lobby of the towering office building, he nearly collided with Shabazz, the well-known security guard. A towering figure with a lean build, Shabazz was a Harlem native with a magnetic personality. Dominic often found solace in their lunch break conversations, their shared interests providing a welcome escape from the workday.