It was dark outside. Rain lashed the windows. The lights were dim. A wine glass sat untouched on the kitchen counter beside a half-full bottle. Emily was in the living room, standing in front of the window, staring at the city. Her eyes were hollow.
The front door opened and Oliver stepped in, soaked by the rain, tense, his expression unreadable. Emily didn’t turn to look at him. She stood there, staring aimlessly out the window.
“You didn’t answer your phone,” Oliver said, quietly. He was afraid if he spoke louder, he would break her.
Emily was unmoving and continued to stare out at the city. Her insides felt void of life.
“I didn’t feel like lying today. Or crying. Or explaining again why I vouched for a criminal,” she said, with all the strength she could muster.
Oliver removed hi
