FRACTURED REFLECTIONS

Kendall rested against the kitchen counter, her voice slightly shaking as she talked on the phone. "Alicia, I'm unsure of what steps to take.” I did everything we talked about. I followed the plan to the letter, and now... now Jason’s gone."

At the opposite side of the call, Alicia spoke in a gentle yet firm manner, providing a sense of peace amidst Kendall's turbulent feelings. "What happened? Did he—did he react badly?"

Kendall's gaze shifted to the few unopened letters resting on the dining table, serving as a vivid reminder of the routine she had attempted to change. “He went ballistic, Alicia. He came home after I’d... you know, set everything up.

I anticipated his anger, but his level of rage caught me off guard. He yelled and insulted me with every possible name. And then he simply walked away. A week has passed. An entire week has passed, and he still hasn't returned. Not even a text. Nothing.”

Alicia let out a deep sigh filled with compassion. I apologize, Kendall. I underst