Alex was already dressed and ready when the knock came.
The house was quiet in the way it only ever was in the mornings, that particular stillness before the day properly started, when even the usual hum of activity seemed to hold its breath. No visitors yet. No phone calls breaking the silence. No unnecessary movement. He liked it that way. Had always liked it that way, actually. Privacy wasn't just a preference for him. It was survival. He stayed out of public sight, avoided casual interactions, steered clear of situations that invited questions he didn't want to answer. Even here, in his own home, he kept his distance carefully measured, precisely calibrated.
He had just finished buttoning his shirt when Margret knocked again, a little louder this time. Gentle but firm in that way she had. The way that said she knew he was in there and wasn't going anywhere.
"Come in," he said, smoothing down his collar.
