Chapter 4

I slid the velvet box across the kitchen island. I placed my house keys beside it. Mark always checked the island for the mail when he walked in.

I went upstairs and filled a single duffel bag with enough clothes for a few days. The zipper caught twice because I couldn't grip it with my bandaged right hand. I pulled it shut with my left.

I left my winter coats, my favorite coffee mug, and my books untouched.

Headlights swept across the front window, cutting through the dark living room. Julian was already parked in the driveway when I carried…