After a few moments of sitting in a daze, Nichole gathered her things and got up from the table.

She walked slowly towards the exit of the restaurant, her legs feeling like lead.

As she reached the door, she paused for a moment, looking back at the table where she had just been sitting with Mr. Atom.

She felt a pang of loss and regret, but she knew she had to leave. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping out into the light.

Meanwhile, at another table in the restaurant, ...