Early Monday morning, I wheeled my suitcase aboard the plane to Vardane, right on time.
The branch's project site was on the edge of the Kestran Desert. Conditions were harsh, but it was far from the city where I'd felt I couldn't breathe.
As the plane took off, I watched the city's outline shrink through the window and let out a long breath.
Instead of the longing I'd expected, I felt only the relief of finally breaking free.
As soon as I arrived, I threw myself into the demanding work.
Once I had my new phone number, I added only my colleagues and a few important clients to my contacts.
It was as though I'd pressed delete on everything to do with Jimmy.
It wasn't until 2 weeks later that I heard anything about him, from a woman I'd been friendly with in college. She'd found my new
