I am so sorry! My life has been insane and my computer broke for a while, too. On my profile, it did say the story was on hiatus. Luckily, the new chapter is here. Thank you guy so much for the amazing outpouring of support, even in my absence. You guys are the best.


Morning light spilled in from the windows, painting the room a beautiful, sunny orange. Jordan laid next to me on the couch, her head resting on the side of it. It was peaceful, quiet, almost pleasant. And then, suddenly, someone spoke my name, softly, and the entire illusion evaporated. My cousin was dead, and the sudden realization flooded my thoughts like the light through the windows, hitting me like a truck. I glanced around, searching for whoever else accompanied Jordan and I in the lobby, and my gaze settled on Gatsby, still in the little corner he's settled in the previous night.
"Nick?" he spoke again, staring up at me, his eyes still wet.
"Gatsby," I replied, dumbly, unsure of what to say. "Are you alright?" I managed to choke out.
"I'm... I've been better," he stated bluntly. I nodded, and after a few more moments of silence, he spontaneously sprung to his feet. "I should go and look for her!" he exclaimed, startling me. On the couch beside me, Jordan stirred.
"You're mad!" I hissed back at him.
"No, I'm brilliant!" he insisted, and I couldn't help but wonder if he really had lost his mind entirely.
"You can't just waltz on out there all gung-ho and expect results!"
"Why can't I!?" Jordan perked up as our voices grew louder and our tones harsher.
"An argument!" she cheered softly, a smile lighting up her face.
"You just can't! You're going to get yourself killed," I reasoned.
"And so what if I do!?" he countered.
"This is insane. You can't be so willing to get yourelf killed for her!"
"Oh, but I am!" he cried, almost enthusiastically. Then, as an afterthought: "Old sport."
"Gatsby, calm down! Just stop and think this over!" I pleaded. He shook his head, turned, and headed out the door, table leg still in hand.
"Don't send anyone after me," he instructed, and with that, he was gone.

The day was a dizzying procession of one event after another, the absurdity building upon itself as the rest of the group slowly trickled downstairs. All were surprised to see him gone. And, surprisinlgly, Tom was upset by this, some bizarre, incomprehensible respect forming in the wake of their mutual loss. Everyone mostly kept to themself, and we just sat there, a hushed silence between us, awaiting Gatsby's return.


I know that was short. It was mostly just to give you guys something until longer updates resume.