Lily pushed the door fully open. One by one we walked inside, first Lily, then Max carrying the trolley bag, followed by Heather and me.
Maya remained near the doorway for a second longer, still holding her cleaning supplies, watching as the new temporary guests entered the apartment she had just finished preparing.
I stayed behind in the hallway, watching everyone else walk into the apartment.
Once they were inside, I remained near the door intentionally.
Maya lingered beside me, still holding some of the cleaning supplies. She glanced toward the apartment, then back at me with quiet curiosity.
"Sir… how do you know that lady?" she asked softly, noticing that I had chosen to stay outside with her.
"I know her from somewhere, Maya," I replied casually. Then I changed the subject without missing a beat. "Anyway… when did Judy leave?"
Maya's expression shifted slightly as she remembered.
