I knew it was stupid. I had been the one who made her leave. Yet I found myself night after night staring at the room she used to sleep in. Her scent still lingered on the sheets. Thoughts of her brought up both anger and despair. I couldn’t help feeling as if I had made a mistake but I also couldn’t bring myself to call her again.

I forced myself back into the living room and collapsed on the couch. I stared at the black TV screen, imagining Kate’s face. Had I been out of line to react the way I had? After all she was just trying to know...