𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

chapter 35 : Where Ivy Grows

It’s a Tuesday morning, and Alex is waiting.

Everyone has left for work, but Ivy is still nowhere in sight. He sits at his computer, sending emails, yet finding his focus wandering. He’s pathetic, really—waiting, checking the clock, hoping Ivy will come downstairs because, frankly, he misses her.

Eva’s name flashes on his screen, and he answers immediately. The distraction is welcome. They chat about her latest recipes and Tom’s wild conspiracy theories, and for a few minutes, he’s lost in another world. But then faint footsteps bring him back, and when Ivy shuffles by without a word, heading straight for the fridge, Alex knows something’s off.

"Hey, Eva? I'll call you later, okay?" He doesn’t wait for her answer before hanging up.

Ivy moves through the kitchen like a ghost, each motion mechanical and void of life. Even when she bumps into the corner of the counter, there’s no reaction—just a silent, automatic sidestep. Watching her, Alex is hit with a sense of helplessness. He should know what’s happening, should know how to help her. But all he can do is wish Tyler were here, someone who’d know what to say or do.

Ivy finally sits across from him, but her gaze is vacant. Alex forces a smile, only for Ivy to turn away, back to her cereal, ignoring the loud ringing of her phone. It’s only when she picks it up, staring at the screen in silence, that Alex realizes she hadn’t even heard it ring.

When she’s done eating, Ivy rinses her bowl, her movements agonizingly slow. He wants to tell her that some people don’t have clean water, that she’s using more than necessary, but he knows better. Instead, he watches her drift to the couch, where she wraps herself in a blanket and stares at the blank TV screen.

As much as Alex wants to reach out, he knows now isn’t the time. And so, he does the hardest thing he’s ever done. He lets her be.

---

Alex is going crazy.

In his mind, he’s pacing, shouting, anything to break Ivy out of this eerie stillness. Two hours have passed since she turned on the TV, and she’s barely moved. He’s sent his last email, shut his laptop, and now he’s left watching her, unsure of what to do.

"Alright," he says, his voice intentionally louder, "all done!" But Ivy doesn’t react.

His heart pounds as he stands, making his footsteps obvious, hoping to catch her attention. But when he plops down beside her and opens his mouth to ask what’s wrong, Ivy simply rises, heading toward the kitchen in slow, measured steps. Alex sits there, stunned, feeling a quiet frustration bubbling inside.

And then, the doorbell rings.

Ivy freezes, standing halfway to the stairs, looking at him and then at the door. Alex rushes to open it, his mind racing with questions. Michael stands there, holding a small box and offering a shy smile.

"You've got to be kidding me."

If Alex had known Michael’s arrival would get Ivy to react, he would’ve invited him sooner. Ivy groans, pulling her blanket over her head.

"Morning," Alex greets Michael with a handshake and a smile, his voice low. "Forgive her, she's having a rough day."

Behind him, he feels Ivy’s glare.

"Well, I think I have something that might help," Michael replies, loud enough for Ivy to hear.

Alex glances back, catching Ivy’s glowering expression. "I’m not sure now is a good time."

He’s ready to close the door, but Michael steps inside.

"Ivy, wait," Michael calls as she starts up the stairs. “Let’s make a deal.”