memory of Alex's words

you are?" he had shouted,

vorce?" I'd backed against

o this anym

ith you?" His voice droppe

ason I'm doing

ps echoed through the hallway. I slid down to the floor, hugging my knees to my ch

family. What a fool I'd been. --- The fluorescent lights of the bakery buzzed ove

man behind the counter pu

rry cake," I s

avail

smiled broadly wh

ur daughter?" I

'm hoping it b

old me otherwise. --- When I opened the front do

itting beside them, his arm casually draped behind Lilith. Th

x asked without looking up

's favorite cake."

cake now." His eye

ike anythin

e kitchen, setting the cake on the counter with shaking hands. I gripped the ed

rned without t

was softer than I exp

" He stepped close

u." I shov

be happy to warm your

Alex. I can't live

you," he

oing to di

n the doorway, clutchin

I hate her." His b

he loves me. And she looks lik

om. Now." But the dam

y heart crumbling as Sam glar

spered when we w

want me he

ust con

e me a divorce,

t replacement. She even looks just like her

es later, he threw a stack of papers at me. I picked them u

ee Sam again but finally being free of this hollow marriage.

is house by tomorrow." He s

, I pulled out my suitcase and began mechanically packing my things.

, I ordered takeout and ate mechanically, not tasting anything. After a shower, I crawled into bed, exhaustion finally c

y things for my college diploma but couldn't find it. With a groan, I re

imbs were heavy as I dragged myself to answer the insistent knocking at my

he exclaimed, s

lad you finally ditched

warmed over?" I laughed wea

. Just exhausted from mov

I miss

, not moping!" Janet declar

verything happens for a re

think

She grinned

ing to check out. Come with me tonight? It's

I just got div

t timing." She wi

d fun? Real fun?" I thought a

" I co

looking to m

." Janet's eyes sparkl

d myself laughing. Maybe th