The tea had just begun to cool when the door to the office opened again.
Officer Henry stepped inside, one hand resting on the brim of his hat. His posture was straight, professional, but the moment his eyes landed on me, that composure wavered.
"…You're back."
He said, disbelief clear in his voice.
I looked up from my cup.
"That's what it looks like."
For a second, he just stared. Then he let out a short laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Damn. I didn't think I'd be seeing you again so soon."
The station master cleared his throat.
"The thief has been taken into custody?"
"Yes, sir. My men will handle the rest."
Henry's gaze drifted back to me, more thoughtful now.
"Things were… tense for a while after you disappeared. But I suppose things will calm down again now that you're back."
I tilted my head slightly.
"Tense…? How?"
He hesitated, then shrugged.
"I…cannot explain it into words. It just felt like something was missing."
"I'm glad things are settling."
