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Again

Author: Siwa Rose
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-13 17:18:10

Damien Shaw

I pull into the parking lot, tires screeching a bit too loudly on the pavement. My pulse matches the speed I drove to get here. I check the time. It’s late, way too late for the dinner I promised Imogene. The meeting had lasted a bit too long and I got so caught up in the moment that I lost track of time.The empty pit in my stomach sinks even deeper.

I park the car, ready to head into the building when I spot Imogene sitting in her car. Her eyes are closed, her head leaned back against the headrest. She looks tired, but it’s more than that—it’s the disappointment hanging off her shoulders. I’ve seen it before. Too many times.

I knock on her window, soft enough not to startle her but loud enough to pull her from her thoughts. Her eyes open slowly, locking onto mine. She doesn’t say anything. Just stares for a long moment, her expression unreadable, before she steps out of the car and heads toward the building without a word.

“Imogene, wait.” My voice feels rough.

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