Richard

Like clockwork, I send Maya another message in the morning. I attach a photo of us at the Botanic Garden with a word that describes the exact yearning I feel for her.

Me:Sehnsucht1.

I stare at my phone screen for far longer than I should, waiting for a reply that never comes. My heart shrinks in my chest with each ignored message.

You can either get upset or move forward with the plan.

I take a deep breath, shut down my computer, and lock up my office.

“Where are you going?” James looks up from the computer.

“I’m taking the rest of the day off.”

“What?”

“Please cancel my appointments for the remainder of the workday. I won’t be available.”

“Alleightof them?”

“Is that a problem?”

“No, but—”

“Great. See you tomorrow.” I make my way toward the exit before stopping to look back at my brother, whose mouth…