The Monday morning after winter break arrived. The bright sunlight glinted off the patches of lting snow along the streets. Snow had fallen less in the past two days.
The city had returned to its bustling life once most work resud. The vehicles rumbled on the streets, the vendors shouted as they called for custors and the commuters were in a hurry.
In the bedroom, Ruediger was buttoning his coat as he glanced over at Lariette. She was struggling to wrap her scarf neatly.
"Sweetheart," a hint of a tease tinged his voice, "You gonna be late if you keep fighting with that thing."
Lariette narrowed her eyes, shooting him a mock glare. She huffed, "Says the man who spent ten minutes fixing his hair earlier."
"It’s the new year," he shrugged while approaching her, a smile tugging on his lips, "I look great with slick-back style too, right?"
"Uh-huh," she laughed softly, looping her arm around his neck as she openly admired her man’s look, "My honey is always handso."
Ruediger chuckled, and then leaned down to kiss Lariette. She happily accepted it.
Instead of his usual ssy hair bun style, he combed his hair neatly from the forehead after applying a styling cream. He tied his long crimson locks into a low ponytail, letting it drape over one shoulder.
Her man’s usual style often gave off a rugged yet effortless charm, pairing well with his laid-back side. But she also loved to see his suave, refined look like this morning. It would be even better if he donned a classic three-piece suit.
"Anyway," Lariette pulled herself out of a trance, trying not to be too chard by this man before work, "Co on. I want a croissant."
"Okay," Ruediger smiled indulgently.
The pair walked through the crisp winter air, their breaths visible in small clouds. They headed to their favorite cafe to have breakfast. At this hour, most custors opted for grab-and-go coffee and sandwiches.
Lariette and Ruediger enjoyed their buttery croissants, steaming bagels, scrambled eggs with hot drinks. She packed a box of mini bagels, intending to share them with her colleagues.
After breakfast, Ruediger accompanied Lariette all the way up to the school gate. They shared a brief hug before he urged her to go inside. He watched her until she disappeared into the administration building.
The teachers’ office was buzzing with chatter when Lariette entered. Phoebe was the first to notice her. She hurriedly waved the forr over.
"Lari! You’re early!"
"Morning," Lariette smiled as she approached her work desk. She handed the box of warm bagels to Phoebe, "Have these. I bought it during breakfast."
"Bless you," Phoebe muttered gratefully. She brought the box to the pantry area where most teachers gathered.
Lariette joined them after putting her bags away. Phoebe and the others were still chatting while enjoying the bagels with their drinks and breakfast.
"Our Mr. Eastwood didn’t even say goodbye," a teacher sighed as he brought up the middle-aged man, "He didn’t even want a farewell party."
The others nodded in agreent. Even though they had only known Mr. Eastwood for half a year, he was still an important figure among all the teachers.
Benjamin turned to Lariette, "You guys live in the sa building. Have you seen him after our break?"
Lariette shook her head, "I went to check on him, but his apartnt’s still empty. Most likely he’s still in his hotown."
"That’s a sha," Phoebe sighed, "He’s quiet, but was a good teacher. Students really liked him."
Another teacher spoke up while spreading cream cheese on his bagel. He ntioned getting a farewell gift, which was quickly agreed by everyone. They planned to chip in and ask the principal if he had any idea of what to get.
The conversation shifted to lesson plans and post-holiday energy. More teachers arrived as the clock kept ticking. Then, so headed to the classroom while the others remained in the office.
Days passed by. The air was still cold, but bearable compared to the past few weeks.
Every evening, Lariette returned ho with Ruediger. The two of them often chatted about their day over dinner, including bringing up their upcoming vacation plans.
"Oh, we’ve decided on the farewell gift," Lariette said while picking her next serving of corn bread, "The safest choice. A fountain pen and a leather-bound book. We get both engraved with Mr. Eastwood’s na."
Ruediger scooped more soup into her bowl, "Yeah, the safest choice. But no one can contact him yet, right?"
"...yes," she sighed, "And seems like he hasn’t returned."
After the day of the announcent, Mr. Eastwood had stopped responding to any ssage in the group chat. His apartnt was also still vacant.
Mr. Eastwood’ unnerving radio silence made most worried about him. Principal Smith stepped in twice to reassure them that the forr was simply dealing with an ergency.
Friday arrived. The classrooms buzzed with restlessness as the students were eager for the weekend break.
As Lariette had lunch with Nora and Phoebe in the school cafeteria, she received a text from Ruediger. Without wasting ti, she quickly opened it.
[Ruediger: Declan wanna et later at two-thirty. Sounds urgent. I might run late. You’ll clock out at three, right?]
Lariette tapped on the keyboard, sending him a response, [No worries. I can go ho first. Did he ntion anything?]
[Ruediger: Only said it couldn’t be said over phone. Be careful on your way back. Text . I love you💕]
[Lariette: Okay~ Heart you too🥰]
Lariette smiled faintly before focusing back on her al. Even though Declan seed to have discovered sothing more urgent this ti, she didn’t let it bother her.
The final school bell rang at three. The teachers wrapped up their lessons while the students hurriedly packed their backpacks. Because the new term had just started, there was no additional activities yet.
Lariette was gathering her things when her phone vibrated again. She glanced down, expecting Ruediger’s text. He sent her a ssage around half an hour ago, right before he t Declan.
But the sender wasn’t her beloved.
"...him?" she gasped softly, brows raising in surprise.
It was Mr. Eastwood.
Lariette frowned as she opened the ssage.
[Mr. Eastwood: Ms. Elsher, do you have ti to et now? I have sothing important to tell you. If possible, in private]
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