Chapter 6: Taking the First Step Away

I knew Derek wouldn’t chase after me, but I still looked back a couple of times, unable to help myself. Each time, the house looked darker, emptier. The street outside was quiet, the only sounds the hum of the streetlights and my own footsteps.

On the way to the pet shop, I received a message from Derek:

[I’ll give you two days to calm down.]

[I don’t have time for your drama.]

When I didn’t reply, he sent another:

[Aubrey needs time to resign.]

I stared at the messages, the words blurring as fresh tears stung my eyes. Even now, he was more concerned about logistics than my feelings.