Damien Shaw

I pull into the parking lot, tires screeching a bit too loudly on the pavement. My pulse matches the speed I drove to get here. I check the time. It’s late, way too late for the dinner I promised Imogene. The meeting had lasted a bit too long and I got so caught up in the moment that I lost track of time.The empty pit in my stomach sinks even deeper.

I park the car, ready to head into the building when I spot Imogene sitting in her car. Her eyes are closed, her head leaned back against the headrest. She looks tired, but it’s more than that—it’s...