Goodbye to You All
Jessica's gaze drifted toward the group not far from her—people gathered around, singing birthday songs, sharing cake, their laughter filling the air.
She swallowed down the bitterness rising in her chest. When she spoke again, her voice was steady. "Yes. I'll handle everything within these seven days. Tell HQ not to worry."
Then, she hung up.
Some things needed to end.
The intrusive hum of the music from the speakers grew louder, making her head throb. She turned to head back to her bedroom, but before she could take a step, Abby approached, carrying a plate of cake.
She smiled warmly. "Jess, have some of my birthday cake. Mom and Dad bought it just for me. Wasn't your birthday yesterday? T