The night closed in around him as he retreated, the streetlights casting long, distorted shadows that stretched and broke at his feet. Grayson didn’t look back again. He knew if he did, he might lose what little resolve he had left.
Inside the apartment, the silence grew louder.
Betty remained where she was for a moment longer, as though standing still might somehow pause the truth pressing in on her chest. Her phone lay in her hand, the screen dark, accusing.
No missed calls.
No message explaining the delay. Nothing that softened the sharp edge of being forgotten, or worse…
She swallowed, blinking rapidly.
“Maybe something came up,” she said, the words thin and unconvincing even to her own ears.
Veronica didn’t answer right away. She reached out and gently took the phone from Bet
