Stella finally experienced a slight chill after traveling a considerable distance. She had no idea Clarence would be so slothful. How could he possibly care that she'd eaten, showered, or gone on a date? She could see why this miserable man was doing fewer and fewer things.

Stella grabbed a cab and went straight to Sherry's house. She found the door unlocked when she got there. She could hear the repressed tears from within. Stella lingered at the entrance for several moments. Then, turning back, she quietly walked away. She ought to be by herself, peacefully, if anything had occurred to her.

Stella was dazed as she sat at her...