AEL'

café windows casting soft rays on our table, I am lost

za for our birthdays?" Amy asks, a

you insisted on entering that store. "

t those boots! Th

ss, her eyes twink

k my glass against hers, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through me, not just fro

ontaneous trips to heartbreaks and new beginnings. Today felt like a nod

" Amy says, setting her glass d

you som

to. Your sparkling compa

. I open the box slowly, and there it is: the necklace. The one I had seen when I was young, t

ver the delicate chain, as it twinkles in the sunli

she says softly, watching me. "

but I blink back quickly, not want

rfect. T

f our drinks, I can't stop the e

's been acting weird all week. I'm sure he's planning some s

s at her lips. "Me? I have no idea what you're tal

ease!"

stalling me so he can get everything ready at home." Amy shrugs, givin

ve," Amy says with a w

lightly against my chest as I walk to the car. My heart is racing with e

ner for two? I can't wait to get

e front door, expecting to hear laughter, music, or at least

ll at the entrance, m

hiding?" I s

tchen and find it empty. Not a single plate is out of place. I head upstairs, my pulse quicke

the closet door is open, and Jack's side is empty. His suits, shirts, shoes, and everything

now. I turn and hurry to the bathroom

no

is his, unmistakable. My breath catches in my throat as I

S: Sorry to do this

ad filled the apartment is now echoing in my chest. I reach out and touch t

few more seconds, a laugh

n come out now." My voice echoes throug

rt of the surprise. Some over-the-top, dramatic joke. Either way, Jack always had a fl

footsteps, but the apartment remains eerily quiet. My heart starts to pound in my chest, f

o sound more confident. "Come on,

l no

my purse. My fingers fumble inside until I find my phone. Quickly, i swi

e automated voice: "The number you h

ach. I blink, staring at my phone screen,

ll myself, hitting the call butt

ave dialed is no

o creep in slowly. Jack isn't hiding. This isn't a joke. The

I stumble toward the couch and collapse into the cushions. I stare at the living room

is