All Chapters of Excluded and Uninvited: Chapter 11

I said, “You were just as cruel every time you left me behind.” Stella approached and asked softly, “Shall we go before we miss the sunset?” I nodded. “Come on.” Clarice no longer stood in my way. For once, it was quiet behind me. There was no explanation. Clarice didn’t ask me to stay. The wind rustled through the pages of the ruined journal. It felt as though the final page had finally been turned.…I stayed in Lake Tahoe for a month. As I was halfway through my new journal, Lucy asked, “So you’re not going back to Brynwood?” I replied, “Nope.” After quitting my job in the big city, I put out a few resumes for remote positions. One travel media company reached out shortly, saying they’d love for me to try a content planning role after reviewing my compiled itineraries and journal photos. On the day of the interview, Stella helped set up my laptop. She asked, “Are you nervous?” I remarked, “A little.” “You’re a pro at making travel guides. Why be ner