Malcolm Bright

Jessica clasps her hands together in delight. “You did it!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around them both.

“We did it,” Malcolm murmurs dully into her hair.

He should be happy, like everyone else. This should bring him joy.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the basement door swing slowly open. Nobody else seems to notice. He glances around at the party dishes and grabs one.

“Time for a refill,” he explains with a forced smile. He makes his way downstairs.

The box is looming there. He walks hesitantly towards it.