Chapter 5

The cab raced along the rain-soaked streets of Chicago, the towering buildings glistening in the rain like distant recollections. Evelyn remained still in the rear seat, hugging herself closely. Her thoughts were a tempest of feelings, sorrow, frustration, and fatigue mixing as she departed from the traces of her former existence.

She wasn’t grieving the estate or the unsuccessful union; she grieved the treachery, the shame, and the harsh apathy of the man she had once cherished.

The taxi driver looked at her via the rearview mirror. "Where to, ma'am?" he inquired, his voice soft yet inquisitive.

Evelyn paused. She lacked a plan, a destination, only the intense urge to flee. For a fleeting instant, the burden of the unfamiliar loomed over her menacingly. Yet, taking a calming breath, she mentioned a simple hotel located on the edge of the city. It wasn’t significant, but it would provide her a space to reflect, to exhale, and to organize her upcoming actions.

The cab arrived at the hotel, its bright sign glowing amid the gloomy, rainy setting. Evelyn gave the driver some cash, her hands shaking as she exited into the chilly rain. She wrapped her coat more snugly around her, hardly sensing the water soaking into her shoes as she approached the entrance, pulling her suitcase along.

Within, the hotel lobby was unnaturally silent, except for the soft buzz of the fluorescent lights. A middle-aged woman was positioned behind the reception desk, her gentle eyes rising to connect with Evelyn’s as she neared.

“Good evening,” the receptionist welcomed cordially. "How may I assist you?"

Evelyn’s voice was just a soft whisper. "I require a room." "Only for a few nights."

The receptionist acknowledged and clicked on her computer. “We have a queen-sized room free.” "Is that acceptable?"

"Yes, thanks," Evelyn responded, rifling through her handbag for her purse.

Upon finishing the check-in procedure, she received a keycard and was sent to her room. Evelyn ascended the steep staircase, the suitcase hitting each step. Upon her arrival to the room, her body felt as weighty as her heart.

The space was modest yet tidy, featuring fresh white linens on the bed and a solitary wooden chair next to the window. A simple dresser supported a small television, and the window provided a glimpse of the rain-drenched streets outside.

Evelyn set her suitcase down by the door and collapsed onto the bed, her hands covering her face. Recollections of the day cycled through her thoughts like a harsh montage, Vanessa seated on Sebastian’s lap, his contemptuous remarks, the chilling conclusiveness of the divorce documents. The barrier she had constructed to contain her feelings finally shattered, and she wept softly, her shoulders trembling as sorrow engulfed her.

For years, she had given up her own desires to shape herself into the partner Sebastian desired. Yet now, she understood that no degree of love or concession could alter a man who didn’t appreciate her.

Once the tears ceased, Evelyn used her trembling hands to wipe her face and took a shaky breath. Her eyes landed on her handbag, and she put her hand in to pull out a small ultrasound image. The indistinct shape of her future baby evoked a bittersweet smile on her face.

“I’m unsure of what lies ahead for us,” she whispered, running her finger tip along the picture. “However, I assure you of this, I will exert all my efforts to keep you safe.” "You will never experience the hurt I have experienced."

With that vow grounding her, Evelyn reclined on the bed, holding the picture close to her heart. Outside, the rain kept pouring, its steady beat a soft comfort as she slid into a restless slumber.

The next morning, Evelyn rose to a dull, cloudy sky. Perched on the bed's edge, she took a sip of the lukewarm coffee brewed with the room's compact kettle. Her thoughts seemed more lucid now, and a flicker of resolve ignited inside her.

She was unable to remain in Chicago. This city was filled with memories of Sebastian and her past life. She sought a new beginning, in a distant place, where she could regain herself and get ready for her baby's arrival.

As she scrolled through her phone, Evelyn paused at a name in her contacts: Lila. They hadn't communicated for years, yet Lila had always been reliable, a person she could count on. Inhaling deeply, Evelyn hit the call button.

"Evelyn?" Lila's tone was pleasantly surprised. "Wow, it's been quite a while!" "How have you been?"

Evelyn felt a constriction in her throat. How could she condense the turmoil of her existence into one response? "I’ve... experienced better days," she confessed. "Lila, I require your assistance." "I’m searching for a peaceful spot to reside, somewhere distant from this place."

Lila took a moment before she replied. "Actually, I think I might have the perfect spot in mind." There is a tiny apartment building close to my location. It may not be luxurious, but it is secure and inexpensive. You would enjoy it, it's tranquil and distant from the clamor of the city.

Evelyn felt a wave of relief envelop her like soothing ointment. "That seems ideal." "Can you provide me with the information?"

“Certainly,” Lila responded. "And Evelyn... no matter what’s happening, you’re not by yourself." "I’m here to support you."

Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes. "Thanks, Lila." That signifies more than you realize.

Once the call was concluded, Evelyn experienced a glimmer of hope. The future was unpredictable, yet she was prepared to confront it. She gathered her things, left the hotel, and walked into the fresh morning air.

The receptionist smiled warmly when Evelyn presented her keycard. “Are you leaving already?”

“Indeed,” Evelyn answered, her tone firm. "I'm beginning anew."

The lady nodded. "Best of luck, my dear." "At times, beginning anew is the most beneficial action we can take."

Evelyn walked outside, the refreshing wind gliding over her skin. Holding her suitcase and driven by her unborn child, she moved forward into a fresh start, one where she would at last focus on herself and the life she was about to create.