Blake could not stop replaying the sight of Mr. Zimmerly’s body after finding him lying on his bathroom floor in a pool of blood. He called 911, and paramedics arrived and declared Mr. Zimmerly dead, then removed the body.

Outside, a young police officer questioned Blake, confirming that Blake entered because the trash bin had been left out, the front door was unlocked, and food was left on the counter with the bathroom light on. Blake struggled with shock and emotion despite not liking Mr. Zimmerly.

The officer said he would notify Mr. Zimmerly’s daughter and noted she lived in California, implying they were estranged or rarely in touch. Blake reflected on how little he knew about his neighbor’s personal life and compared Mr. Zimmerly’s loneliness to his own situation after Krista left.

After the responders cleared the scene, Blake texted Krista: “Mr. Zimmerly died.” Krista replied with concern, asking if Blake was okay. Blake admitted he was shaken and joked darkly about no longer worrying about the garbage bins, to which Krista replied, “Silver lining.”

Encouraged by the exchange, Blake texted, “I miss you,” but after seeing typing bubbles, he received no further response. He remained alone, unsettled by both the death and Krista’s silence.