n Knap

tled against the dark lining, w

incriminating documents, a hidden stash of cash, something that spoke of a secret l

university design competition where we'd first met. We were both caught mid-laugh, leaning over a model of a bridge, young and ra

in drafting dust, in our first tiny studio. The celebratory toast after we won our first major contract. The ribbon-cutting ce

y curated memory, and eac

ala last year. Jayson stood behind me, his arms wrapped around my wais

rp handwriting, were the words: "To my forever pa

pered the word. I

ry trip for the first time. Ciera had a "family emergency," and he needed to be t

he cover with a quiet click, walked over to a cardboard box filled with office supplies I was leaving behind, and dropped the album inside. It

poured my soul into. There was no lingering sadnes

late last night, sat unread. "Babe, nailed the pr

face. Celebrate his success, achieved

bubble until the option appea

n incoming call. The name "Jessica" flashed across the screen. Jayson'

ion of a second before the cool ma

. Jayson said you were sick, but I've been calling and you di

case behind me. "I'm fine, Jess," I said, m

deep, soul-crushing exhaustion t

the front door open. The cool mor

buying it. "Did Jayson do something stupi

couldn't. "I have to go out, J

ulled my suitcase over the threshold, and with a fina