He hadn’t left the house since he’d gotten home from dinner with Karen Friday night.

When Karen called, he claimed illness. Muted sympathy and regrets hung between them in silence. He promised he’d see her at work on Monday.

He spent the weekend in misery and confusion.

Forty-eight hours later, time ran out.

He showered, shaved, dressed.

He decided to take his cues from Pam.

If she acted like nothing had happened, he would do the same. If she acted…differently, he would adjust.

Nothing needed to change.

Until he entered the office and realized that everything had changed around him.