Night passed slowly, like drips of wax on a candle as the wick gradually burned down to the candle's base.
It didn't take long for the atmosphere around the association building to become somber. Everyone was excited to see Jack again and they all knew that the higher-ups for association headquarter would arrive the next day, but that mood subsided quickly.
The conference room door remained locked that entire day as well. Not a sound came from inside, giving others the impression that Jack had used the stone of silence.
Unaware of what Jack was doing or how he was trying to cope, the rest of the world kept spinning.
King Leodoro paid a visit to check on the situation. Tridon did the same, wanting to learn what happened on the trip. When they heard the news, neither decided to stay long and left.