Beyond the Divorce

Atlas noticed my anxious demeanor and comforted me with a pat on the back. "You can sleep first. I'll see who it is."

He got up, put on his slippers, and approached the door. I couldn't help but wonder who could be visiting so late at night. After all, we hadn't lived here for quite some time. While contemplating, I got out of bed and straightened my sleepwear before leaving the bedroom.

When I reached the landing, I peeked downstairs and saw Atlas opening the door. A figure then entered with a bottle of alcohol. It was Oliver. His lean silhouette appeared even more frail in the dim light. He looked desolated.

Oliver forced a bitter smile when he saw Atlas, asking, "You're still awake?"

Atlas walked into the living room and said indifferently, "How can I sleep if you ring the bell like that? Why are you here?"

I felt a pang of pity for Oliver. The once prominent figure had fallen so far. His former grace and eloquence were non-existent. I suspected he had lost his nightly destination when the doctor discharged Lauren from the hospital.

Oliver seemed lost without her, resorting to alcohol to drown his sorrows. Perhaps he had followed us to Amethyst Apartments. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known we were here.

was about to return to the room, I overheard Oliver mumbling, "What, did I disturb you?

this hour?" Atlas

Oliver sounded

you here? How did you know

you. I knew you were having

and saw him holding the

Some people...aren't suitable to drink with. You... You're my best match, Atlas." He looked at Atlas with tired eyes. "How about it? Keep me company... Have

When he sat across from Oliver on the sofa, he raised his

can I make

saw Atlas looking at him. "That depends on your intentions. If