It's past three in the afternoon when the car finally pulls up to my building. The sun is out, cruel and bright like it's trying to piss me off on purpose.

The sky is a clean, perfect blue. There are no clouds, no gloom, just endless New York cheer that feels like a slap across the face.

I don't even wait for the doorman to help me. I just slide out of the backseat, dragging my suitcase behind me like it's full of bricks. I mutter something about no tip. I don't care. I can't even find the strength to care.

My hoodie's still wrapped tight around me like armor,...