More than 6 months passed in what felt like an instant.
After becoming regional director, I was sent to another major city to develop a new market.
A new city, new people, and a new pace of life finally pushed the shadows of the past far behind me.
On weekends, I grew flowers on the balcony of my new apartment or volunteered at nearby Harborlight Animal Rescue.
I still loved animals. I had simply learned to care for them responsibly and with common sense.
I funded vaccinations and donated pet food through legitimate organizations. I took part in proper adoption screening. I no longer let anyone guilt-trip me into financing their private desires in the name of kindness.
One afternoon, while I was helping clean the kennels at Harborlight, a former classmate called me.
"Audrey, have yo
