5.

I wouldn't have expected saying goodbye to be so tough, but Elizabeth has made it so. I told her the news this afternoon.

"I'm glad," she said. "You deserve the promotion."

We both know that, if not for her misfortune, there would be no position for me to fill. The ghost of the unspoken hangs heavy in the air.

I can't look her in the eye. "Yes."

She's staring at her feet. "I'll…"

"I…"

"What were you saying?"

"No, you first."

She swallows. "Good luck, Alec."

She has spoken my name, and the spell is broken.

"And to you, Elizabeth."