414 Escape

(Cass)

“Idiot,” I whisper, my voice cracking. My throat tightens with shame. How did I let myself get here?

I picture my mom’s face, the warmth in her eyes, the way she used to brush my hair and tell me I’d grow up to do great things.

A sob claws its way up, and I swallow it back. I can’t break down. Not here, not now.

I slide to the floor, knees pulled up to my chest, trying to catch my breath. Everything in my life is in ruins, and it’s my fault. I suck at running my own life. If Mom could see me now, she’d be so disappointed.

I wipe at my face, missing my mom with a fierceness that cuts. Life felt safe when she was alive. Predictable. Now I’m a disaster, a pathetic screw-up who can’t make one decent decision.

If only I’d listened to her more. If only she were here to tell me what to do, to hold me and promise everything would be okay.

I push out of the shop front, clutching my backpack tight, and head toward my apartment. I just need my passport and the last of the money I’ve stash