On Thursday, I ran into Jaden again in the elevator. He remained true to himself, and there were no offers to meet up. The walls of the house, which had previously seemed quite comfortable, suddenly became a symbol of my loneliness.I paced the living room for an hour, my heels clicking a frantic rhythm against the hardwood. I was a bird hitting the glass, over and over. Desperate for a lifeline, I called Emmy."I can't, babe," she sighed, her voice hushed. "It's mother-in-law night. If I miss it, I’ll be hearing about my 'lack of family values' until Christmas. Why don't you just pour a glass of wine and relax? Sam’s at Melissa’s, right? Enjoy the peace."Peace. The word felt like a mockery. After hanging up, I stared at the polished toes of my shoes, watching my own distorted reflection. I felt the void opening up under me, that familiar abyss of loneliness, and decided I wouldn’t fall in today. I stood up, jaw set. I would go to the mall. I would walk in the park until my legs ache
Last Updated : 2026-02-25 Read more