Abby It’s well past two in the morning by the time I unlock the front door to my apartment. My feet are so sore that all I can think about is collapsing onto the couch, but I also smell like a kitchen and there’s a solid layer of sweat coating my entire body, so the shower comes first. I quickly shed my chef’s uniform and turn on the hot water. While the bathroom fills with steam, I comb out my tangled hair and allow myself a few moments to just breathe. The Alpha gathering was a success; a huge success. And although my parting with Karl was bittersweet, I feel like a new door has opened on the next chapter of my life. With a satisfied smile, I climb into the shower and let the hot water cascade over me. I spend a long time just scrubbing, washing away the grime from cooking all night.

