on, I dug a few cardboard bo

h the things that belonged

ally was

house carried traces

tered across the couch. Imported snacks s

though I had never tru

othes from my closet and packe

nd towel from the bathroom co

nd took out the plastic bag co

he center of the coffee t

ypad lock echoed fr

loosened slightly, exhaustion

ag of chestnut cakes

s the floor, he stopped dead in his tracks. His

ugged at his tie and forced out a strained smile before reaching for the packing t

smallest olive branch, I would end up throwin

I didn't even p

sound, sharp enough to feel like the fina

ly, "Daniel, let's cancel the m

curled sharp

ker of panic surfaced in t

h he still struggled to maintain the composure and authority he was s

"And one more thing. I can't eat chestnut

d from Daniel's

d pulled an unlimited black card from his walle

he card. Go buy yourself something you like. Stop

mps twisted through my stomach hard enough t

yourself peace of mind anymore. For the past three years, I've been the one constantly backing down. I'm tired o

thin seconds, he tightened his jaw and forc

is suspended." He straightened his suit jacket with his back facing me, his voice lowered

ed around the handle so tightly

, he finally said without turning aro

as though he was simply waiting to see ho

ront door slammed shu

s as cold sweat slid from my f

ly, and this time, I could

eetness surged stra

and vomited a mouthful o

floor, fingers digging desperately

crimson spreading across the carpet, a rel