I got home and found Charles waiting there unexpectedly. I hesitated, trying to think of an excuse to leave again, but he stopped me before I could say a word. "Where have you been? Finally home."
I gave him a few half-hearted, vague answers. Still, he kept insisting on taking me out to make up for my birthday.
His pestering wore on my patience. Before I could second-guess myself, I blurted out the decision I'd already made. "Let's break up. This arrangement is over. I don't want any of the things here anymore. Flora, come here."
I picked up my cat, ready to leave for good and find someplace quiet to clear my head.
Right as I stepped over the threshold, he grabbed my arm. He pushed me back against the wall, his voice sharp and dangerous through gritted teeth. "What did you just say?"
