Chapter 103 - Mrs. Jane
The morning was approaching noon, and the sky was overcast, casting a dim orange light while the breeze carried a damp scent. Karl stepped out of his apartment building.
His black jacket clung to his frame. His gaze was empty, his mind busy replaying his conversation with Valencia earlier that morning.
As he passed through a narrow alley behind a row of old apartment buildings, the sound of rustling near a trash bin caught his attention. A woman stood there, holding a large garbage bag.
"Ah, damn... it tore again," she muttered under her breath.
Karl stopped at the edge of the alley, his eyes widening as he recognized the woman’s face. Julia. Her brown hair was tied up messily, with a few strands falling around her thin cheeks. She wore a loose t-shirt and worn-out shorts. Her face looked tired, yet there was still a faint warmth about her.
Karl quickly turned his face away, but it was already too late. Julia had noticed him and offered a polite smile.
"Oh, sorry. Am I blocking your way?" she said, shifting her body slightly to the side.
"No... it’s fine," Karl replied stiffly.
Julia raised an eyebrow, perhaps confused by Karl’s awkward reaction. After ensuring her trash bag was secure, she tossed it into the bin and dusted her hands off.
"This place is always such a mess. Sorry if the smell bothers you."
Karl tried to smile, but what came out was more of an odd grimace. "No, the smell... it’s fine."