26. AWAY

Callan had gone for three weeks and two days. He had stayed away from her since the last time, not talking to her, not responding to her greetings until he travelled to France to meet with the real estate companies who were in charge of the new business he planned to venture into.

Orla was well aware of the reason her husband was distant and it broke her heart into shreds.

She had been all alone by herself, and Betty was getting sick again. She fed her the last piece of steak in her hand and watched her until she fell asleep in her arms.

The house was empty without Callan. His absence made her life desolate and loathed that. Even though he didn't talk to her when he was at home, his presence in the house inexplicably encrusted her and she always yearned for it.

She picked up her phone to call Callan with the number she had gotten from David a week after he travelled, but she couldn't bring herself to dial the number even though she so badly wanted to.

She had no idea how long he'd bee