My husband arrived at my door with my cousin, two babies, and a smug grin, declaring, ‘She lives here now.’ I handed him the keys, smiled back, and said “HOPE YOU ENJOY THE HOUSE UNTIL TOMORROW”

shifted.

Michael saw the suitcase.

And for the first time—

He looked unsure.

Lena watched me differently now. Not superior. Not confident.

Careful.

I walked to the entry table and placed my keys down gently.

Then I looked at both of them.

“Enjoy the house while you can,” I said. “You won’t be here much longer.”

And I left.

No shouting.

No slammed door.

No backward continue reading …