nna

e-dawn stillness heavy in the air. I reached for the device, my fingers brushing again

ort. "Baby Rios," the caption read, followed by a triump

directed at me, leaning down, pressing a tender kiss to Hollie's swollen abdom

s burned into my retina, searing themselves onto my soul. There was

, once a vibrant thing, was now a cold, dead weight in my chest. She wanted a reaction.

was with Hollie, playing the doting father-to-be, the committed lover.

jewelry, every designer dress, every material possession he had ever given me. I burned old photographs, l

worn copy of the US Constitution, and a small, faded picture of him and my mo

I dressed quickly, my movements precise and deliberate. I was ready. I walked down the grand st

ous text. Another twist of the knife. I

official. Finally, I'll be the one by his side." Another picture followed. A s

" her text continued, laced with malicious glee. "

ile touching my lips. Easier for ev

typed, the words oddly hollow. "May all your wishes come true. J

silence. A profoun

side, its engine a low purr

ttering gently against the stained-glass windows of the nearby chapel. The same chapel where Graham a

ified, blurring the world outside. Through the streaked wi

ce? Or another cruel twist of fate? I knew that

from the car, her delicate figure now undeniably round, a maternity dress c

ing, and she laughed, a bright, joyous sound. My vision blurred again, but this ti

politician's check. And then, his gaze locked with mine. Through the

ted into a mask of pure shock. Confusion, disbelief, and then, a

ing. No anger, no pain, no love. Just a vast, echoing empti

is silent scream swallowed by the downpour. I cut the last