~Jennie’s~

“I don’t need a shadow anymore. Not today.”

I tell myself that as I step out of the mansion gates. No one follows. No one watches. And no one texts me where I’m headed or when I’m coming back. And for the first time in forever, I don’t check over my shoulder.

The sun isn’t too harsh. The breeze is soft enough to not ruin my hair but strong enough to lift the edge of my scarf. I walk slow. I take in everything. People. Cars. Laughter. Horns. Life.

It’s weird how free feels new again.

I cross the street and head toward the row of music stores near...