Chapter 6

The next day, I checked myself out of the hospital.

Lionel wasn't there, probably off with Maisie, and for once, I found the absence of his incessant presence oddly relieving.

When I got home, I packed my suitcase. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, I'd already secured a place to rent, so moving was easy.

During my time at the hospital, I'd also managed to find a lawyer and signed the divorce papers. I left the documents at home.

I'd just finished unpacking at my new place when Lionel's call came in. Without hesitation, I hung up. But, as usual, he didn't give up. He called again and again, until I blocked every single way he could contact me. Finally, it was quiet.

Sitting on the couch, I stared at the photo of Hope and Toto on the table, lost in thought.

It felt like hours before I pulled Maisie's necklace from my pocket. I held it up under the light, examining it carefully. When I first found it, I hadn't thought to check it closely and just took a quick glance before I