86

VIVIAN

I pulled hard at the skin of my face.

It hurt, so I knew I was not dreaming. Richard had been arrested and my mother was really awake. It felt almost too good to be true.

Just a few hours ago, my life had been the epitome of anxiety and misery but the tables had turned so quickly and suddenly that I could not put my emotions to words.

I let Nate lead me to where I had parked his car, still in a daze. I watched him as he spoke to the members of his security team, barely registering any of the words he said even though he continuously gestured towards me.

I was itchy to go and see my mother and hear her voice. I had so many things, to tell her, so many things to do, we had so much to catch up on and the thought of it made my breath catch in my throat.

The happiness I felt was not abstract. It was a heavy thing weighing on every vestige of my soul and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I had not known it was still possible for me to feel this type of unbridled joy.

Nate handed the key