The autumn-winter transition brought howling winds to the streets of Manhattan. Most pedestrians on the downtown streets were bundled in heavy woolen coats, hurrying along.
Jenny, clutching the morning paper, stepped off the carriage with Zweit and entered the company. They would part ways in the elevator—the chief partner's office was on the ninth floor, while Jenny got off on the fourth. The elevator held only the two of them, each accompanied by someone reporting work updates. In the midst of their busyness, they forgot to say goodbye until Zweit looked up and saw Jenny already heading out with Emme, leaving him only a glimpse of her busy back.
He hesitated, feeling that Jenny was busier than even her boss. Days after the funeral, she had been quite gentle, asking after him morning and night as if worried he might be in low spirits. Though Zweit felt no grief for his father and no sadness, he was moved by her concern, thinking she might finally agree to his proposal. Now that everything was over, her special treatment gradually faded, and he realized those gestures were merely her humanitarian care. He pursed his lips and focused entirely on business.
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