Daughter | Bk 2 | Pt. 02 - Fractures

Foreward

Thanks for reading. I appreciate the criticism/comments.

This part ends what I consider book 2. My profile is updated for all works in progress.

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Previously on Daughter, Book One:

Sara is moving forward. With a new career move on the horizon and her marriage to Jon entering a more honest, emotionally intimate phase, she's determined not to let the shadow of her mother's choices define her.

As a backyard BBQ brings old friends and new sparks together, the afternoon hums with laughter, flirtation, and the promise of fresh beginnings, until a knock on the door upends everything.

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Daughter Bk 02 | Part 02 | Fractures

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Chapter 04 | Hospital

Saturday May 11 2024 |10PM

Sara's chest tightened, as the air was sucked out of the room. Words rumbled through her body, overtaking every thought.

"emergency room... emergency room... emergency room..."

Her feet rooted to the floor as voices swirled around her, and hands tugged at her sleeves. The noise of the house, silverware clinking, chairs scraping, overlapping conversations, muffled into a dull underwater hum.

She blinked once, slow and dry.

Her father and Scott waited by the door, waving her over, and someone thrust her coat into her hands.

Seconds stretched as she turned towards Jon, her vision blurring.

Then time snapped back, and the sounds of chaos jolted her.

"Jon! Go! We'll take care of the apartment. I'll make sure everyone gets home safe. Just go!" Stephen's voice broke through the haze.

"Sara, come on," Jon urged, his hand on her arm, trying to guide her toward the door.

"I need my purse, my phone.... Let go of me!" She yanked her arm free with a sharp tug, her eyes blazing as she glared at him.

"Just... just give me a second!" screamed Sara.

Jon froze, his brows pulling together as he watched her unravel. He knew that look, panic, not anger. He resisted the urge to reach for her again. She needed space. Not pressure. He stepped back.

"Where's my phone!" said Sara.

Em appeared at Sara's side, placing her cell in her hands. "Here, it's right here. Just go. I'll help Stephen cleanup. Love you."

Sara hugged her tightly, then turned to leave. Jon stepped out of the way to let her pass, then gave Stephen a quick handshake before closing the door and following his family to the elevator.

A shiver ran down Sara's spine as they stepped into the parking garage, but she trudged toward the car.

"Let's take one car," said Jon.

"Okay. I'll pick mine up tomorrow." Said Tony.

Sara heard the words, but... words, actions... even the clatter of Jon fumbling the keys barely registered. The door handle felt cold and stiff in her hand as she slid into the backseat with Scott, leaving the front for her father.

She bundled tighter into her coat, staring out the window. The streetlights soon blurred into streaks of white and orange.

The men kept talking.

"Cassie said she collapsed earlier tonight," Tony said, his voice tight. "That's all I know."

"Where did Aunt Cassie call from?" Scott asked.

"Northshore. Jon, you need directions?"

"No, I know where it is," Jon replied.

"I'll text her we're on our way. See if there's any update on Mom," Scott said, fingers tapping on his phone.

"Dad, have you spoken to her since she left...?"

Sara tuned out. The trip would take about an hour, depending on traffic. She didn't need to hear more.

How had she become this way?

Before her mother's infidelity, they spoke every other day. But now, their only interaction in the last two, three weeks was one heated phone call... and a text.

A complete 180 since she'd thrown herself into helping her father heal. But no matter how this broke down, the fingerprints of her choices were, once again, all over the wrong side of her parents' issue.

And tonight? She'd been so caught up with the party, the guests, that she hadn't even asked Scott about their mother. How could she switch so easily, from caring too much to not caring at all?

The lights outside slowed. Traffic. Late-night construction on the bridge. Typical. Like it would ever end...

Only delaying the inevitable...

11 PM | ER

Sara pulled herself together as they turned off Community Drive and into an ER parking spot. Gripping her phone tightly, she followed Scott and her father through the revolving doors into the chaotic buzz of the emergency check-in.

"Hi, can you..." Scott began.

"One second, please..." the attendant interrupted, typing quickly. "Thank you. Patient's name?"

"We're here to see Julie Williams. She came in earlier this evening," Scott said.

Sara glanced around as the outdoor stillness dissolved into the cacophony of the busy hospital. It was a large emergency room with alcoves for waiting, but all she could see was pain. People hunched over, wincing as they moved; others coughed into tissues. Children clung to their parents, eyes wide with worry... everyone waiting for relief.

"Yes, she's no longer here. She's being admitted," the attendant said, scanning her computer. "You'll need to go to the main hospital entrance to check in. I can give you directions..."

"TONY!"

Scott turned at the sound of their aunt Cassie's voice. She hurried over from one of the side waiting rooms, wrapping her arms around Tony first, then Sara and Scott.

"Thanks for your help. We've got it from here," Scott said to the attendant, before turning to greet his aunt.

"What happened?" Scott asked, his voice tight as the hug broke.

"Let's sit in that alcove over there," Cassie suggested, pointing toward an empty bench. "We can't see her yet, anyway."

They followed her to the bench and sat down. Sara felt the hard seat beneath her, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

"She was despondent all week," Cassie began, her voice heavy with concern. "I didn't want to push her... She drank some, but was barely eating. I tried talking to her every day, but really, she spent most of the time just sitting in the garden room."

Cassie paused, exhaling slowly as she gathered her thoughts.

"This morning she started complaining about stomach pain and cramps," she said, voice tight. "But she kept brushing it off, saying she was fine. Then, out of nowhere, she collapsed by the dinner table."

She rubbed her hands together, before continuing.

"Luckily she could still walk. We got to the car, and I drove her straight here."

Cassie glanced between them. "They took her in right away, thank God. They said she's stable, and it's not serious, but... they're still running tests and want to keep her overnight for observation."

Her voice dropped slightly, the weight of the day creeping in.

"Tony, they want to talk to you. I told them you were on your way."

"Me?" Tony's voice wavered. "The insurance is up to date.. whatever. Let's go get some answers."

"Tony..." Cassie's hand gently gripped his wrist, her expression serious. "Julie's in a bad place, mentally. She thinks she deserves all the pain she's going through... because of what she's done."

Tony hesitated, the words heavy in the air. "Well... regardless, I don't want to see her hurt."

"Williams family?"

"Yes, doctor, right here," Cassie said, standing up quickly. "I'm her sister. These are her husband and children."

The doctor nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze sweeping over the family before lingering on Tony.

"Hello. Overall, she's stable and expected to make a full recovery." The doctor glanced at the chart.

"Mrs. Williams is being treated for a bacterial infection, which appears to have developed from lacerations in the vaginal area, likely sustained during a recent sexual encounter. Typically, these kinds of injuries heal with proper care, but in this case, they were left untreated and became infected. That explains the abdominal pain and other symptoms she was experiencing."

Sara's stomach turned. The words landed like a punch, each one louder than the last. Infection. Lacerations. Sex. Her mother wasn't just absent, she was in pain. And none of them knew.

Cassie gasped softly. "This was supposed to be a wake-up call, not a breakdown, oh Julie..."

The doctor continued, his voice steady but clinical.

"We've started her on oral antibiotics to treat the infection, and she's agreed to stay overnight for observation. We'll be running a few additional tests and monitoring her for any signs of complications. It's unlikely, but if the infection had progressed unchecked, it could have led to more serious issues, including surgery."

"Dear God," Cassie whispered, her hand going to her mouth. "Will we be able to see her?"

"Yes," the doctor replied, glancing back at his chart. "You'll need to go around to admissions to get everything set."

"Thank you, doctor," Cassie said, exhaling a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

The doctor nodded, but suddenly turned to Tony, his tone hardening. "She's been dealing with this infection for some time. Do you know if she mentioned anything about pain or discomfort before now?"

Tony looked confused. "I wouldn't know. We haven't spoken in weeks."

"I see. I only ask because we see similar cases where people ignore symptoms until they become serious."

Cassie quickly stepped between them, her voice firm but calm. "Doctor, I brought her in. My brother-in-law had nothing to do with my sister's condition."

The doctor hesitated, visibly embarrassed. "I see too many of these cases... more than I'd like. My apologies. I shouldn't have assumed."

With tension still lingering in the air, Sara hugged her father's arm tightly as they turned to head toward admissions, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and guilt.

Sunday May 12 2024 |12 AM

It was a short walk to admissions, and Sara wished she'd grabbed her knit hat. She tugged her coat tighter, but the cold still slipped in. Jon followed closely behind, giving her space. His cell buzzed in his pocket.

Stopping just inside the hospital entrance, he glanced at his phone reading the text from Stephen:

Apartment clean. Girls are in rideshares back home. Em and I are sleeping over. Hope all is well. Was this Em thing a setup?

"Well, that should be interesting," Jon thought, shaking his head with a smile.

Thanks. Julie's going to be okay. Fam, trying to get in to see her. Extra pillows and blankets are in the bedroom closet. Kind of a setup by Sara. Em learned you were single and wanted a chance to reconnect. Enjoy!

He hesitated going inside, choosing to just breathe for a second. With his hands in his jacket pocket, images of the day flooded through. He had enjoyed the day. Feeding old and new friends gave him a satisfied feeling inside. He enjoyed the conversations with Alessia and loved watching his wife smile as she orchestrated the day.

He looked through admission center windows to see the family talking to a nurse. With a heavy heart, he turned to join them.

"Your mother is resting comfortably," the nurse explained. "She's still on a hydration drip, because she is dehydrated. If everything remains stable overnight, as we expect, she'll be released tomorrow.

"Can we see her? No one could see her once she went into the treatment rooms," Cassie asked, her voice thick with concern.

"Yes, she mentioned that and has been asking for you," the nurse said with a reassuring nod. "She's in a single room, so I can bring up two or three family members for about half an hour."

Tony's voice dropped. "Would I be able to stay overnight?"

"You can," the nurse replied with a small smile. "But all I've got is an uncomfortable chair and a pillow."

"I've had worse accommodations," Tony said, his tone firmer now. "Why don't you three go up first, then head home after?"

"Dad, I can drive back to pick you up tomorrow," Jon offered.

"No. Don't worry about me," Tony said, waving off the suggestion. "I'll make my way back and get my car tomorrow. Go on."

Jon gave Sara's hand a gentle squeeze. "Go ahead. I'll wait for you down here."

Sara's fingers tightened briefly around Jon's, a silent thank-you. Her gaze turned towards the elevator doors, but her mind was still in the ER, stuck on words she wished she'd said.

She, Scott, and Cassie followed the nurse into the elevator.

1 AM | Julie

It was quiet. Too quiet.

They walked past the nurse's station. The smell of coffee and antiseptic joined with the faint rustling of paperwork and the shallow beeps of machines filtering through the air. Open doors revealed other patients, but none of it was enough to break the thick silence between them.

Sara's fingers found her pendant. The familiar weight drawing her fingers like a magnet. Each circle of her thumb traced across the emerald etched tree. She steadied her breath, if not her heart, as the fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across their faces.

The nurse turned down another corridor, stopping in front of a half-open door.

"I'll be back in about twenty minutes to check in," she said softly before turning to leave.

Sara nodded numbly as Cassie entered the room.

Scott hesitated.

He wasn't sure what he expected when he saw his mother again. The last time had been over the phone, a call that offered nothing but small talk and pleasantries. Barely an apology. But standing here now, about to step into her hospital room, something twisted in his chest.

For a moment, just a moment, he didn't see the woman who had left. He saw the mom who used to fix his tie for school pictures, who made him grilled cheese when he was sick, who had once been the center of their home.

Then the moment passed, and he forced himself to move forward.

Sara stopped and held onto the threshold, her eyes locked on the figure lying in the hospital bed. Her mother, slightly raised, connected to an IV. Sara's breath caught in her throat as she studied Julie's face... older, worn. Her cheeks were sunken, and it was clear she had lost weight.

Is this what sexual freedom looked like? She thought. A broken old woman in a hospital bed. The sadness etched in her mother's face left Sara wondering what the other side of that freedom looked like. Tessa's screw them all mentality almost made sense in comparison.

Her mother's eyes fluttered open, her expression softening into a sad smile as Scott bent down to hug her. Whispers passed between them... Sara couldn't hear the words, but the tears were unmistakable.

Cassie stepped back, and as Scott parted, Julie's gaze shifted to Sara, locking onto her. Sara stood frozen, hands clasped in front of her, her makeup streaked with tears she hadn't realized were falling. The silence between them grew thick, uncomfortable.

"Sarabelle... it's me. I'm back," Julie said softly, her arms outstretched.

That was all it took. Sara crossed the room in a few quick strides and threw her arms around her mother, hugging her fiercely. Both women broke into sobs, their words garbled and incoherent as they clung to each other.

Julie, still holding Sara tightly, reached for Scott with her other hand, pulling him closer to the bed. "I'm sorry... so sorry. I love you both so much..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

Julie closed her eyes, memorizing the feel of Sara's arms around her. She didn't deserve this grace. But for the first time in weeks, she believed she might want to.

They spent the next few minutes talking, their conversation brief but filled with meaning, as Julie explained how she felt. The nurse returned soon after, gently escorting them back downstairs, their tear-filled goodbyes lingering in the air.

Sara stepped out and walked straight to her father, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.

"She's weak and tired. This isn't the time for a fight," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion.

Tony looked down at her, his eyes searching hers. "I'm not here to fight, Sara. I still love your mother... unfortunately."

His voice caught on the last word, and the weight of it hung in the air as he gently pushed away from her hug. He hesitated for half a second, his jaw tightening as if he had more to say, but he didn't. Instead, he turned toward the elevator and walked away, his steps slow, measured, final.

Sara watched him go, the hollow click of his shoes echoing down the hall.

She wasn't sure what she had expected from tonight. To feel... relief? Validation? To finally see her mother hurting the way they had all hurt?

Instead, all she felt was exhaustion.

For weeks, she had wanted to hate Julie. Had tried to hate her.

And yet...

Lying in that hospital bed, her mother hadn't looked like the woman who had blown up their family.

She looked... small. Broken. Like someone who didn't know how to pick up the pieces of her own destruction.

Sara clenched her jaw, her fingers curling around her pendant, squeezing hard, as if trying to crush the metal. It was the one anchor she still trusted.

She wasn't ready to forgive her.

But for the first time, she wondered if she even wanted to hate her anymore.

2 AM | First Contact

Julie dabbed her eyes with a tissue, sitting in her dimly lit hospital room. The pain in her chest had been constant, but seeing her children again... it was as if she were seeing them for the first time.

The image of Sara standing by the door, staring at her, replayed in her mind over and over. The six feet gap between them had felt like the farthest canyon, the deepest ocean... an unbridgeable distance.

Taking better care of herself and getting healthy, that part would be easy. But mending her relationship with her children? That would take the rest of her life. And then there was Tony. How could she even begin to fix that?

She turned her wrist slightly, fingers brushing against the plastic hospital bracelet. The band felt foreign against her skin, cheap, sterile. A far cry from the colorful bangles she used to wear, the ones Tony had bought her over the years. The ones she'd left behind.

Julie looked up as the nurse entered the room, placing a pillow and blanket on the chair across the room. Julie's brow furrowed; she hadn't asked for the additional items. "Were they short on space and she would be getting a roommate?"

Her breath caught as her eyes drifted to the door. There he was, standing just inside the threshold... Tony. His eyes boring into her, much like Sara's had earlier.

"No..." Julie whispered, her right foot shaking beneath the blanket as she looked into her husband's eyes for the first time in weeks.

"Like I said, it's the best I can do," the nurse's voice broke the tension.

"Thank you. I really appreciate your flexibility in letting us visit and letting me stay." Tony replied, his voice calm but distant.

"No worries. Everyone deserves to see their loved ones," the nurse said kindly. "Have a good night."

"Good night."

Julie's eyes followed Tony as he folded and placed his coat on a nearby table, and his shoes underneath it. His movements slow... mechanical. His usual warm, smiling face had been replaced by a hollow, blank stare.

It was all her fault.

The light sweater he wore did little to conceal the fact he had lost weight. His moves deliberate, setting himself up on the chair, pillow behind his head, blanket across his legs. Never once looking at her.

She remembered the way he used to undress at night, quietly, so as not to wake her. A gentleness so practiced, she took it for granted. Now every movement felt mechanical, unfamiliar, like watching a stranger wear her husband's skin.

Julie shifted uncomfortably on the bed, smoothing the blanket over her lap. She didn't dare look up. If she met his eyes, she'd see it. The indifference.

She wasn't ready to face this part of her broken life. She needed more time... more time to think, more time to figure out what to say.

But the silence was unbearable. So she forced herself to speak, even though she already knew the answer.

"I don't want you to see me like this," she whispered. "Tony, I... I can't talk to you right now. Please, go home."

"No," he said flatly.

Julie's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected that.

Tony settled in the chair, pulling the blanket over his chest, his face unreadable.

For the first time in her life, there was no one to smooth over the damage or assure her that everything would be fine. Not Tony, not Sara or Scott, not Cassie. Not even herself.

She was completely alone in this.

And maybe that was exactly what she deserved.

"Half of the ER thinks I did this to you," Tony continued, his voice cold, detached. "The insensitive fucking jerk who wouldn't take no for an answer, and forced himself on his wife, ignoring her pain until she ended up in the ER. Thanks for that, by the way... No, I'm staying, just in case they call the police. You don't want to talk? Don't. Just sleep and heal. I'll leave in the morning."

"You would never do that," she said, her voice trembling. "That's not who you are."

"Doesn't matter what you think."

His words struck her harder than any slap. The Tony she once knew... the man she loved... was nowhere to be found. The cold indifference in his voice, in his demeanor, was worse than anger. It was foreign, terrifying.

"It took me less than six months to destroy a great marriage..." Julie thought as her eyes blurred.

This version of Tony scared her. If he had been ranting, raving, furious at her... it would have been easier. She could have handled the yelling, even welcomed it. At least there would've been passion, something to hold on to. But this? This cold detachment, this void where their love used to be? It sent chills down her spine.

She risked a glance at his face, but immediately wished she hadn't. His expression was impassive, his eyes like black stone, glinting with nothing. No love, no pity, not even recognition that she was there.

"But of course he hates me," she thought bitterly. "I deserve it." She betrayed him. Disregarded his feelings. Tried to force him to accept her selfish demands for... for what? A meaningless thrill? A fleeting excitement?

"The sex with William was supposed to be a fun diversion, a temporary fantasy," she thought, her chest tightening. "A small escape from my life. I love Tony, not William." How had she let herself forget what really mattered?

Julie couldn't breathe. The air thick, sterile. Not even the antiseptic could cover the stench of what she had done. Her stomach turned, not from infection, but from silence.

She missed Tony... her Tony. What she needed was to be in his arms, to hear him tell her that everything would be okay. But she realized with painful clarity she had lost that right.

Julie watched Tony for another moment, hoping for some flicker of the man she had known. But there was nothing.

Without a word, she lay back on the bed, pulling the hospital blanket tighter around her. She closed her eyes, her heart heavy, and eventually, exhaustion overtook her. Sleep, though restless, finally came.

4 AM | Sara & Jon

Sara lay across the back seat of the car, alone. She could hear Jon and Scott talking quietly in the front, but she had no desire to join in. Her mom looked horrible... worn down, almost unrecognizable. Deep down, Sara knew it wasn't her fault, but she couldn't shake the feeling that somehow, she could have done more to help.

She wanted to stay at the hospital to support her father, but he quickly dismissed her. She understood... they had their own overdue discussions to settle.

"You and that girl Liv seemed to hit it off. Should I be clearing my weekends for double dates?" said Jon.

Scott shrugged his shoulders. "Yea, don't make any plans just yet. I still need to ask her out."

"I'd say that's a done deal, but you do you."

Scott leaned his head back against the seat, staring out the window as they turned onto his block. He wasn't ready to say it out loud yet, but Jon wasn't wrong. He was definitely interested.

Scott gave him a tired smile as the car pulled up to his apartment building. "Thanks for the ride, Jon," he said, reaching out for a handshake. "It's been a long day."

"Understatement. We'll be sleeping late tomorrow. Or today," Jon joked, glancing at the early-morning hour.

Scott laughed softly. "Get home safe."

Jon waved goodbye as they drove off. The streets were quiet... one good thing about driving through the boroughs at 3 a. m. was... hardly any traffic. Twenty minutes later, they crossed the bridge, and half an hour after that, they pulled into their apartment parking lot.

Jon held the door open as Sara walked in, leaving her bag on the kitchen counter. As she passed through the dining room, something caught her eye. Her brow furrowed at the sight of the couch bed pulled out.

"Somebody slept over?" she thought, stepping closer.

Jon caught up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, speaking softly. "Stephen and Em stayed the night."

"Oh." She nodded. "That was quick..." Sara glanced toward the couch and saw a smiling Em snuggled in Stephen's arms.

The sight brought a small smile to her lips. She was happy for her friend, but she was too tired to linger. She turned and headed straight for the bedroom.

Too drained for her usual nighttime routine, Sara stripped out of her clothes and let them fall into a pile on the floor. Sliding between the covers in her underwear.

Her mother's face haunted her behind closed eyes. There would be time to think. Time to feel. But not tonight. Tonight, she just needed stillness.

Jon climbed in beside her, the bed dipping slightly under his weight. He pulled her closer, and she snuggled into his warmth.

"Hold me..." she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

"Always," Jon murmured, his arms tightening around her.

4 AM | Pings

The monitor's soft rhythm pulled Julie from her restless sleep, its steady beeping a counterpoint to her momentary disorientation. Reality settled over her like a heavy blanket... the sterile hospital room, the IV line tethering her to consciousness, and Tony's familiar form slumped in the visitor's chair across the room. His presence both comforted and condemned her.

She studied him in the dim light, noting how his chest rose and fell with the same gentle snore that had accompanied their years of marriage. Even now, he couldn't sleep on his back without that soft, rhythmic sound... a detail so intimate it made her chest ache.

The IV stand whispered across the floor as Julie made her way to the window. Four AM in New York... that singular hour when the city seemed to hold its breath, suspended between yesterday and tomorrow.

Her finger traced patterns in the window's condensation, connecting droplets to the lights outside. She avoided her reflection until she couldn't, finally confronting the ghost like woman who stared back from the dark glass. Her reflection revealed a face not merely old, but hollowed and stripped of the entitled rage driving her recent actions.

Sunday morning. She and Tony should have been snuggling in their warm bed. Sundays had become their day to enjoy each other. The thought carried an avalanche of memories... tangled sheets, coffee growing cold on bedside tables, laughter echoing through their empty nest home.

Every room had become theirs, every surface holding memories of spontaneous passion and comfortable intimacy. She could still remember the feel of his hand sliding across the kitchen island, warm on her waist as he kissed the back of her neck, unplanned, unhurried, theirs.

When had that stopped being enough? When had she convinced herself she needed more than the love they'd spent decades building?

Julie turned back toward her bed, the thin hospital sheet a poor substitute for the warmth she'd thrown away.

William's casual cruelty shattered her carefully constructed justifications about modern love and freedom, leaving her to face the truth of what she'd destroyed.

A ping echoed in the room.

Her cell.

She didn't check. Didn't need to. Everything that mattered was already lost. She was tempted to see who it was from, but what would it matter?

She pushed the over-bed table away.

As she settled back against the thin pillow, she could hear Tony's breathing change slightly, as if even in sleep he sensed her movement. Some habits, it seemed, survived even betrayal. She closed her eyes against the tears that threatened, understanding finally that empowerment had nothing to do with what she'd done.

She'd traded substance for shadows, certainty for illusion, and the weight of that knowledge pressed against her chest harder than any physical pain.

7:30 AM | Sorry

Julie's eyes flickered open to the sounds of an active hospital. The familiar beeps, voices, and bustling footsteps of doctors, nurses, orderlies, and staff filled the air as they rushed past her open door. She pushed herself up in bed, steadying her body, only to realize Tony was gone.

Her heart sank. But she saw his coat, neatly folded on the table. He was just out of the room. Julie wasn't sure which option was worse. They both sucked.

"Good morning, Ma'am!" A cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. Julie looked up to see a young woman smiling as she placed a breakfast tray in front of her.

"Good morning," Julie replied, her voice hoarse.

"I have breakfast for you. I brought coffee, but would you prefer some hot water for tea instead?"

"No, coffee's great. Thank you."

"Absolutely. Enjoy!" the woman said with a bright smile before disappearing out the door.

It had been a while since Julie had bacon and eggs. "The coffee tastes watery though," she thought, but she wasn't complaining. She grabbed her fork and ate. "I need to regain my health, if I'm ever going to regain my family."

As she ate, Tony entered the room, two coffees in hand. He hated hospital coffee and figured Julie could use something stronger. His eyes landed on her, sitting up, eating. "Well, that's a good sign."

"Here. Thought you'd like it stronger." He walked over and placed the coffee on her tray before retreating to his chair.

Julie inhaled the scent of real coffee, feeling her heart flutter at the small gesture. It wasn't as good as Tony's Moka pot coffee, but better than the hospital version of coffee. It was amazing how something so simple could still make her smile. She took a sip and leaned back against her pillows.

"Thank you," As she took a deep sip.

"Though it will never be enough... I'm sorry. For everything," she said quietly.

Tony looked at her, his gaze steady. For the first time in weeks, he saw something resembling his wife. Not the person who had betrayed him, not the deluded woman who ranted and raved at him, wanting to open their marriage... but Julie. His Julie. And yet, the hurt she'd caused was still there, festering.

"What, I'm no longer holding you back from having experiences?" he asked, his voice laced with bitterness.

"I never really thought that. I got caught up in something I can't yet explain," Julie replied, her voice wavering. "All those hurtful things I said, all of my deceitful actions... was me trying to justify and hold on to the fantasy I built up in my head."

"So, was it worth it? Your quest for experiences outside our marriage?"

"No," Julie said, shaking her head at that stupid word. "It was a mistake. A massive, fucking, stupid mistake."

Tony's jaw tightened. "Your affair wasn't a mistake. It was a choice. You planned it. You executed it. And you expected me to accept it, like I was supposed to just... What were your words?... Oh yeah... fall in line."

"I don't mean to downplay what I did Tony. I convinced myself it was just sex, just a body part, and that it wouldn't change anything between us."

"Right. Just a body part. Something good old Tony wasn't using at the time, so why would he miss it, huh? So what now? Should I retire and become a pimp? Rent you out on weekends?"

"That's not... how... what I meant," Julie said, her voice cracking. "I know how stupid I sound. I'm trying to explain. I need more time to process it all... I... I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry."

Tony looked away, jaw twitching. For a moment, he said nothing. Then his eyes narrowed.

"You changed us, Jules. You changed everything we built."

"I know," she whispered, wiping her eyes.

"I feel it every time you look at me."

8:30 AM | Discharged

Julie was finishing her coffee when Cassie walked in with her doctor.

"Good Morning Julie. How are we feeling this morning?"

"Good morning, doctor. Much better, thanks," said Julie as Tony walked over to stand with Cassie.

"Alright, you're all set for discharge," the doctor said with a smile. "No complications overnight, and the nurse noted everything looked really good this morning."

He flipped through the chart briefly. "Someone will be in soon to walk you through your aftercare instructions and set up a follow-up appointment."

He looked up. "Any questions for me before I hand you off?"

"No doctor, I appreciate all that you have done."

"Ok. Last thing. With cases like this, we sometimes recommend talking with a therapist, but since you already do that, we can send her the information of this visit, with your approval, of course."

Tony didn't say anything, but the words sat heavy in his mind. "That was new." he thought. "But maybe too late."

"Yes. I'll sign whatever paperwork you need to make that happen."

"Great, I'll add that to the discharge list. Please take care of yourself," he said as he turned and left the room for his next stop.

Cassie walked over and gave Julie a hug.

"I'm going to be fine, Cass. I'm sorry that I had you all worried. I'm so sorry for everything you had to put up with." said Julie.

"Older sisters are supposed to care for their little ones," said Cassie, stroking Julie's hair.

"Yea. But not this mess. That's mine to deal with."

Cassie stood back as Tony stepped forward. "I'm glad that you are going to be OK, but we need to talk at some point. When you're better."

"I know. Soon, I promise." replied Julie.

Tony gave Cassie a hug. "You let me know if you need anything. Thank you for all you've done."

Cassie hugged him tighter. "For you two... anytime."

Tony gave Julie's hand a squeeze, and turned to leave.

Julie's eyes followed him until he turned the corner and disappeared. That was it, the last thread snapping. There was no rage, no goodbye. Just the quiet retreat of a man who'd finally let go.

Julie closed her eyes, unable to hold back the tears as Cassie hugged in.

"I've lost him."

"Jules, that man loves you to distraction."

"Maybe... he did... but it's not going to be enough..."

Chapter 05 | Interludes | Em & Stephen

Saturday May 11 2024 | 10pm

The words "She's in the emergency room" and "Oh no!" echoed loudly across the apartment as Em got up from the couch in the living room. She watched the front door erupt into chaos. Sara was petrified... white as a ghost. Jon moving around quickly, grabbing coats and keys. Scott was already outside with their father, signaling to Sara and Jon to move.

Colors muted and everything around her was cast in this weird slow motion flash frame mode. Until a voice broke through the haze... steady, firm, completely in control.

"Jon! Go! We'll take care of the apartment. I'll make sure everyone gets home safe. Just go!" Said Stephen.

"Everyone, please move away from the door. We need to get Sara and Jon out,"

Em blinked, watching him move. No hesitation, no panic, just quiet command. The kind of confidence that wasn't for show, but for something deeper. Something real.

She was impressed at how quickly Stephen reacted, to get Sara out of the house and to her mother.

Em heard Sara asking for her purse and phone before snapping at Jon and pulling away from him. Em saw the phone and ran forward, grabbing it off of the dining room table before reaching Sara.

"Here, it's right here. Just go. I'll help Stephen cleanup. Love you." said Em.

Sara hugged her tightly, then turned to leave. She watched as Jon stepped out of the way to let her pass, then grabbed Stephen on the shoulder and made eye contact before closing the door.

The group held their breaths for a few moments while staring at the closed door... before reality snapped back.

"Holy shit, that was tense," said Liv with a heavy breath.

Evie and Alessia looked at each other, concern filling their faces.

"Well, not the best way to end our great day, but thank you all for helping to get them out of the apartment," said Stephen.

"I'm staying here tonight, so I'll finish cleaning up. Just text me where you need to go, and I'll call rides for everyone."

The girls tried to refuse politely, but Stephen wouldn't hear of it and ordered a rideshare for Liv, Evie and Alessia.

"Em, what's your address for the rideshare?" asked Stephen.

There was no way she was going to let this night end with distance.

"Not happening. I'm staying here tonight," said Em. "I'll help you finish up and be here for Sara in the morning."

"But there's just the pull-out sofa bed. I can text you in the morning when they come back."

"No. I have no issues sharing a bed," replied Em, resolute in her decision.

Stephen watched as Em walked past him, her decision made to say goodbye to their friends. He shook his head, then joined in.

With the guests gone home, Stephen and Em quietly cleaned up the dining room and ran the dishwasher.

11 PM |

"Em, what's your address for the rideshare?"

Stephen's question echoed in her mind, his voice replaying in a low tone, as Em rinsed her face in the bathroom sink.

She twisted her face and wrinkled her nose as she shook her head, mimicking his words in the mirror.

Sure, he had taken charge earlier, ordering people around to help get Sara and Jon on their way, but it didn't mean he could decide where she belonged. "Not gonna happen." She said. "I'm closer to Sara and Jon... well, maybe not Jon... than him."

Em inhaled deeply, held her breath, and exhaled with a quiet laugh, realizing how stupid those thoughts were.

Stephen wasn't trying to control her. He wanted to get his family out of the door and where they needed to be... and damn it if he didn't look hot doing it.

"Hmph... exploratory mission indeed." She said out loud, remembering her words to Jon earlier in the day. She fully intended to be the aggressor with Stephen today. Tease him, learn more about him, surprise him with the possibility of them getting together, as long as there was a connection. Some spark... Instead, she felt ambushed, as Stephen kept her off balance for most of the day.

"I came to test the waters, and he's making me want to dive in." she thought, shaking her head.

Stephen was right though. Their relationship over the last 8 years had been nothing more than a series of fly by introductions and greetings. Even at the wedding, she took control of making sure that everything went perfectly for her best friends.

She had to change that quick if she was going to have a shot with him... and she wanted that shot, now more than ever. "He's no immature man-boy," she mused, glancing at herself in the mirror.

Having finished in the bathroom, Em walked into Sara and Jon's bedroom and looked through Sara's drawers, finding a pair of light green silk pajama shorts that she could wear. It's funny how things change and stay the same.

In college, she and Sara would share clothes every day. It was hard to tell who owned what piece. But that wasn't her biggest issue for tonight.

She turned toward the full-length mirror and planted her hands on her hips, striking her best superhero pose. The teal Pocketpal bra top and matching underwear hugged her curves, bold and unapologetic.

"Well... at least I look like a superhero... with a nice set of tits and a great ass," she smirked.

She hadn't exactly planned for a sleepover, let alone a sexy one, but when life shifted gears, Em never missed the chance to rise to the occasion.

The shorts would cover her teal underwear, but she was sleeping with the sports bra top.

Stephen would just have to deal with it.

12 AM |

Stephen had finished preparing the sofabed as Em stepped out of the hallway.

"Umm, would you like some hot tea before bed?" she asked, crossing her arms, her chin raised, with an arched eyebrow, as she shifted on one leg.

"No, thanks, Em, I..." His words faltered as he looked up and took in her outfit... light green silk shorts paired with a smiling Bubblesprite face bra top. He chuckled, shaking his head. "Really? Pocketpal underwear?"

A self-conscious blush rose in her cheeks as she crossed her legs. "I wasn't expecting a sleepover. Definitely not a sexy night." Rolling her eyes. "I can grab a long t-shirt or one of Jon's hoodies if this makes you uncomfortable..."

"Uncomfortable?" he interrupted, his voice lower. "Are you kidding? You look incredible!"

She grinned, flipping her hair back as she straightened her body, a bit more at ease. "Well... since you're such a fan of Bubblesprite, you should know that I caught 'em all," she teased, pulling down the waistband and giving him a flash of her matching panties.

Heat rose from Em's body and colored her face. She blushed with a soft smile, but she pressed forward.

"And who knows? Maybe one day you'll get to see me in my Frosty fox lingerie set."

Stephen scratched his head before looking back at Em.

"Can I ask you a question?"

She nodded. "Of course."

"Is this some sort of setup? Is there a joke here that I'm missing?"

"No!" Em crossed the room, sitting beside him on the bed. "No set up, and definitely NOT a joke... consider it a..." taking his hand. "a proper re-introduction. To me..."

She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I'm going to be very open with you... dating has sucked. I'm close to giving up, honestly. I've had a crush on you since before Sara's wedding, but you were always with someone. I was hoping that IF there was a spark between us, we could explore it. If not, I'd keep moving forward. I'd never try to play or push you."

Stephen looked at her for a long moment, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles. "Thank you for being upfront, Em..."

"Alright, my turn in the bathroom."

She watched him go, her hopeful smile growing just slightly.

This could be the start of something great.

******

Stephen stripped down to his boxers and ran a hand over his scalp as he looked in the bathroom mirror. He was tired. It had been a great day, even with the crappy finish. He hadn't heard from Jon, but hoped all was well with Sara's mom.

When he returned to the living room, he found Em sitting on the left side of the bed, looking up at him with a gentle smile. "I should be able to maintain a respectable distance from her," he thought.

But Em swiftly trashed that idea.

"If you're okay with it... I could really use being held tonight," she whispered.

Stephen let out a quiet sigh, smiling as he shut off the nearby table lamp and lay down beside her. "Of course." Em pulled the sheets over them, tucking herself close under his arm.

He hadn't planned on this. But maybe that was the point. Nothing about tonight had gone to plan, and yet, here she was, fitting perfectly against his side like she'd always belonged there.

"Goodnight, nerd," she murmured with a grin.

Stephen rolled his eyes, chuckling as he tightened his arm around her. "Goodnight, O' Queen of the world."

They settled into the quiet warmth, Em snuggling into his shoulder... her fingers lightly traced his chest, both of them exhaling together into the stillness of the night.

4 AM |

Stephen's eyes blinked open as he heard quiet voices coming from the bedroom. "Jon and Sara must be home," he thought, listening to their low conversation. Taking that as a good sign, he glanced down at Em's sleeping form nestled close to him.

The soft, herbal scent of her hair... flowers or strawberries, filled his breath as her warmth pressed against him. He couldn't deny the comfort of her body and the arousal that came with holding her... but nature was calling.

Gently, he slipped his arm out of her grasp and tiptoed to the bathroom. By the time he returned, Em's soft voice rose from the darkness.

"Where'd you go?" she mumbled. "It got cold."

"Sorry. Bathroom run," he whispered as he slid back into bed.

"Next time, either pull the blankets back up or carry me along on your back," she murmured, snuggling back into his arms.

"Got it," he chuckled, wrapping his arm around her as they drifted back to sleep.

8 AM |

Stephen drifted somewhere between sleep and waking, the kind of hazy dream where everything felt good and right, until the slow, deliberate press of something warm against his body stirred him fully.

He blinked into the low morning light, registering the soft curve of Em's body nestled against him, her back to his chest. She shifted, slightly at first, then with a slow, teasing rhythm that made his breath catch.

The gentle grind of her hips increased their intensity.

His fingers twitched at the urge to reach for her, to anchor her in place and close the distance between them. Instead, he exhaled slowly, peeling his hand from her waist and retreating a few inches.

"Nooo," Em groaned, eyes still closed. "Come back... warm..."

Stephen chuckled softly. "Sorry, Em, but keep that up, and my little soldier's going to go marching in."

Em opened one eye, grinning. "Little soldier? Felt like the whole battalion to me, commander!"

"Says the gatekeeper, attempting to incite a riot."

"No riot intended," she replied, grinning wider. "I was just assessing the threat. Can't let just anyone inside," with a wink.

He laughed, raking his hand through his hair, "You know, I actually agree with that statement."

They both laughed, and Em hugged him tightly. "Thank you for last night," she said, her tone turning serious.

He gave her a curious look. "What are you thanking me for?"

"For everything. For the unexpected, fun conversations, taking charge and making sure Sara and Jon got out, getting everyone home safely, and... sleeping with me. Holding me without making it weird or trying anything."

Stephen raised an eyebrow, sitting up slightly. "Em, we just started talking to each other for the first time... yesterday. Really talking. We haven't even agreed to go on a date yet. I keep thinking this is some kind of test?"

"What? No!" Em's eyes widened as she quickly sat up. "Stephen, I'd never waste our time like that. I just meant it was nice to wake up snuggled in your arms."

She softened, glancing away before continuing, "I don't think I've ever had that with someone I liked, without it being about sex. I'm ready for something more."

Her words were exactly what he needed to hear.

His posture relaxed. "I'm sorry I keep jumping to conclusions," he said, giving her an apologetic look. "I'm interested in seeing if we could be something more. But I'm not desperate and I won't play games. My ex did that, and it didn't end well..." said Stephen.

"I'm sorry it came across like that. I really just meant that it was nice to sleep with you and wake up snuggled tightly in your arms. I felt safe... and so warm."

"And I'm sorry for grinding against you. That wasn't very fair of me." as her cheeks flushed. "But, if I'm honest... not sorry."

Stephen just smiled. "Eh, wasn't that bad..." Em punched him in the arm. "Jerk."

"But..." she replied, squeezing his hand. "If this turns into something, I want to do more than just sleep with you. And for the record, counselor, I had to hold myself back from climbing on top of you and giving in to that... poke, poke... poking!"

Stephen laughed, shaking his head. "Yea, nothing confusing about that message," he said.

"God.... I sound like an idiot." Em giggled, her face blushing as she looked away.

Stephen pulls her in for a hug. "And that never happens, does it?" as Em looked away with rosy cheeks.

"Not often... No,"

"Well, for the record, I can't wait to take you out on an official date," he replied, meeting her eyes. "How does Friday sound?"

She squeezed him back. "Perfect. I'm all yours. But that's sooooo far away... how about coffee on Wednesday?"

"Deal," he grinned. "Now, why don't we get dressed and go grab breakfast for everyone?" He got up, stretching. "You can hit the bathroom first."

"Ok," she smiled, "I'll text Sara on the way."

They weren't a couple yet, but the morning light felt like a beginning.

Chapter 06 | Interludes | Olivia

"Well, that was a bummer," Liv thought, gazing out the window of her Uber. "Such a harsh way to end... a great day."

The driver attempted small talk, mentioning construction delays on the Whitestone, assuring her he'd have her home soon. Liv gave him a polite smile and pulled her phone from her pocket, opening her notes app.

"Dear Diary... no," she chuckled to herself. "Let's just stick with the usual."

******

Saturday May 11 | No Sleep till... Bushwick

My heart feels like an overflowing cup, spilling emotions I can barely contain.

Sara's invitation felt like stepping through a doorway, into somewhere I've been searching for... a place where I could just be me, without Tessa's aggressive agenda or the squad's endless hookup stories. Just real people, having real conversations.

******

"Ugh! Too flowery! This isn't a class assignment!" thought Liv.

"........."

******

I'm feeling a strange mix of emotions right now. Stuck in traffic, trying to process everything that happened today and honestly? Sara's invite was exactly what I needed...

A chance to meet new people who actually want to have actual conversations... not just compare body counts or rehearse the latest viral hot take about empowerment that never actually made me feel empowered.

Just... normal. Real.

Then Scott happened... those big blue eyes and that mop of hair I kept wanting to push out of his face. (ngl) Watching him play guitar was incredible, but singing with him? That felt like magic. Natural. Like we'd been doing it forever.

Later, when he opened up about his grandfather and music, and for once, a guy actually listened when I talked about my writing and my family. Not just nodding while waiting for his turn to speak, listening, really hearing me. He treated me with genuine respect.

The best part? When he asked for my number... ASKED!, didn't just assume he was entitled to it. And he's in Williamsburg! Not too far away! The universe was finally throwing me a win... until his mom's emergency cut everything short. Never even got to say a proper thank you or goodbye.

Really hoping his mom is okay... family stuff is serious.

But also? Really hoping he calls.

******

Liv closed out of the app and noticed they were in Queens. She reached for her phone again and, out of curiosity, ran a quick search for Scott's name. An open Instagram account popped up.

She scrolled through his posts. "Of course," she thought with a small smile, "his band."

The pics were from various bars and festivals where they played. They ran back about 7 years, so she could see his transition from angsty high school senior, with a punk edge, to his current relaxed rockstar look. Well, maybe more country rock than flashy rockstar. She watched two videos.

The other guys in the band were good looking too, and she couldn't help but notice the girls who appeared in several photos.

She found at least two of the women showing up more than once with Scott. One in high school, one in college. Last posts for both women were over two years ago, so probably ex girlfriends. They were taller than her and were rock band girlfriend hot. Definitely bigger boobs.

It reminded her of the girls who always got picked first at Tessa's parties. Louder, brasher, always on someone's arm. She used to pretend she didn't care. But she did.

"Would he care about that?" she wondered, looking down at her chest. "He didn't seem to. How would my smaller body compare to 5 foot 10 blonde haired models?"

"No." she scolded herself. "He asked for her number because he wanted to get to know me. No time for that inferiority stuff that got me wrapped up in Tessa's group."

She looked up as the car stopped at her apartment. "Have a good night, miss."

"Thank you," Liv replied as she stepped out, heading toward the entrance. She gave the driver a top rating and a tip, then keyed in as she walked past the mailboxes and took the stairs up to the third floor.

She didn't know where this was going. But for once, that uncertainty didn't scare her. It felt... hopeful.

12 AM |

Liv stepped into her familiar, cozy apartment. Her roommate, Harper, was likely at her boyfriend's place for the weekend, once again leaving the space all to herself.

A soft nudge against her leg drew her gaze downward. If not for her orange eyes reflecting the dim hallway light, Liv would barely have made out the twisting form of her cat, Mystery, whose dark gray coat blended into the dim lighting.

She bent down, scooping Mysty up for a quick hug and a kiss. "Hey, Mysty. Momma's happy to see you, too." She set the cat down gently and hung her coat on the door hook before heading to the bathroom.

Under the soft, warm bathroom light, she removed her makeup, watching as the day's excitement and emotions softened in her reflection. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she slipped into her favorite pajamas, comforted by their soft fabric.

Climbing into bed, she considered the text she wanted to send. "Whatever you write, don't sound desperate. Right, Mysty?" she muttered as Mysty paused her paw-licking to glance up. Smiling to herself, Liv started typing,

Scott. It was so great to meet you, and I hope all is well with your mom.

I enjoyed singing with you and our conversations. Thank you.

Looking forward to hopefully seeing you again.

Her thumb hovered. She reread it once, twice. Too late. She winced at the word "hopefully." It sounded... indecisive. She should have closed with more confidence.

Setting her phone on the charger with a deep sigh, she settled down, pulling the covers up to her chin. Her mind drifted back to Scott's smile and the warmth of her new circle of friends. With a hopeful exhale,... she closed her eyes, letting the calm wash over her. Not certainty. Not clarity. But something new. Hopeful.

Mystery paced the bed, kneaded the blanket a bit, before wrapping herself comfortably around Liv's feet.

7 AM |

Liv's eyes fluttered open to the morning light streaming softly through her bedroom window. Her first instinct was to reach for her phone, but the blank notifications screen greeted her with disappointment.

"No response," she thought, her stomach tightening. "Status is still on delivered."

"It must have been a long night for him, or maybe they're still at the hospital..." she tried to reassure herself as she slid out of bed, but a flicker of doubt nudged at her mind. She caught herself chewing the inside of her cheek, an old nervous habit she hadn't noticed returning.

With a sigh, Liv rolled her yoga mat by the bed. She and Myst went through a short 30 minute stretch and avoid yoga routine before making her way to the bathroom. She hoped the heat would shake off the unease as she showered, letting the warm water soothe her muscles.

Wrapped in a robe and towel, she headed to the kitchen, where Mystery greeted her with a soft meow, weaving around her ankles. Smiling, she reached down to scoop some food into Mysty's dish.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she murmured, watching her cat nibble contentedly. With her nerves slightly calmed, Liv dressed for the day, glancing at her phone one more time, still hoping for a reply that hadn't yet come.

"He's dealing with a lot." Still, her mind wandered, wondering if her message had come across as too eager or if she'd said the right things.

The phone buzzed, just a weather alert. She locked the screen with a sigh.

"Don't overthink it," she told herself.

9 AM |

She over thought it.

"Why did I have to kiss him? Twice?!!" Shaking her head. "Holding his hand, or even a deep hug, would have been more than enough to express sympathy and gratitude."

She'd tried so hard to get away from college hookup culture and Tessa's take what you want mindset, to be more intentional, more herself. Yet here she was, on her first chance to connect with someone new, leaning right back into old habits.

Kissing a guy she barely knew.

She could still feel the warmth of his lips on hers, the second kiss lingering just a second too long. Not passionate. Not invited. Just... impulsive.

Liv paused and let out a bitter laugh, the irony not lost on her. It was just like that night at the club when she met Em and Sara, only reversed. She'd been furious at that guy for trying to kiss her without warning. Now, here she was, angry at herself for doing exactly that.

The realization settled into her, heavy and uncomfortable, making her wonder what kind of impression she'd just left behind.

She wanted to be someone he remembered for the right reasons. But what if this was the only one?

10 AM |

Liv sat on her kitchen table, absently swirling her coffee in front of her open laptop. She thought that writing would help focus her mind, but the words wouldn't come. No relief... no inspiration.

It wasn't even really about Scott... but had everything to do with her actions. Sure, it was only a brief kiss, but still... she had only known him for 6 hours! He hadn't even asked her out yet! But he made it so easy. The conversations, the music, the singing... his blue eyes and that mop of unruly hair. She felt her heart flutter just thinking about it. If he called... No... WHEN he called, she would play it cool and get to know him before anything else happened.

She glanced again at the screen, still nothing. Her fingers twitched with the urge to delete the message. Instead, she opened a fresh note and started writing something else.

The doorbell pulled Liv out of her thoughts. She walked to the video intercom to see the smiling face of her younger sister, Ari, holding a container of pastries. Liv buzzed her in, leaving the door ajar as she poured a second cup of coffee.

"Hey, Mami!" Ari chirped as she bounced through the door.

Liv furrowed her brow. "I told you not to call me that. Not... Mom."

"Whatever." Ari grinned. "You're always there for me when I needed you. Our real Mommy, however, made pastries. This box is for you. Ooh, coffee... so the pastries are for me, too!" She grabbed an apple empanada and set the container on the table.

Liv sat down and took one of her mom's Panetela de Guayaba. One bite brought her back to her mom and Abuelita's kitchen. Watching them dance around each other as their hands made magical meals.

They caught up on the past week as they ate. Ari shared stories of her university classes and mentioned meeting a guy at a club, "though it was way too early to tell." Liv giggled, watching her sister's arms and hands weave patterns in the air, while telling her story. Earning her the nickname Wong from their older brother, Brian.

Liv loved the balance her life held... close enough to family to stay connected, but far enough to carve her own path.

"Soooo... this Scott guy sounds promising," Ari teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Like you, just met him, so there's nothing to tell," replied Liv.

"Bull. Your face gave you away. This one's different, huh? Don't lie to me," Ari pressed.

"I'm not lying. I like him, ok? Hoping he calls and gives us the chance to get to know each other," said Liv.

"Fine," Ari grinned, "but then you're telling me everything. Harper around?"

"Nope, she's at her boyfriend's. Honestly, I think she might move out soon."

"Perfect! I can move in," Ari announced with a mischievous smile.

Liv laughed. "Yeah, right. Like Mom would let you out of the house before you graduate."

"Hey, it could happen! Especially since it's close, and we'd be together," Ari replied, eyes twinkling.

Liv smiled, nudging Ari's foot under the table. No matter what happened with Scott, this? This was home.

1 PM |

Liv normally loved weekends when Harper was at her boyfriend's place. But today, she couldn't get comfortable. Even Mystery sensed her unease and eventually gave up trying to nap on her lap.

She needed to get out. Tossing her laptop and a book into her bag, she grabbed her keys and headed out to her new favorite coffee shop, Bound & Brewed.

It wasn't just the coffee, or the fresh baked goods that drew her in... it was the ambiance. The warm woods, the back wall lined with plants and books, and cozy seating helped her relax, letting her mind wander freely as she read and wrote.

After ordering a honey cinnamon latte, she settled into one of the large sofas by the window. She alternated between reading her book and jotting down ideas for her novel and other work in progress stories.

When inspiration didn't strike, she switched to reviewing her notes from the songwriting class, but her focus still wandered. Hard to rhyme when you're distracted. She picked up her phone.

Liv tapped her fingers against the smooth glass. Scott's contact pulled up on the screen. She typed out a message.

Had a great time yesterday. Hope you made it home okay.

Her thumb hovered over the send button. A simple text. Casual. Not a big deal.

Why did one text feel like standing at the edge of a cliff she wasn't sure she'd survive?

After a long moment, she sighed and deleted the message.

No rush, Liv. No rush.

She reached for her bag, mentally shelving the day... when her phone pinged.

3 PM |

Liv's face lit up as she opened her notepad app and typed:

Sunday May 12 2024 | 3 pm | Bound & Brewed

I got a date.... ????

Chapter 07 | Interludes | Sara & Jon

Sunday May 12 2024 | 9AM

Sara's eyes flicked open to the soft sound of hushed voices and the apartment door closing. "Em and Stephen must be heading out," she thought as she turned her gaze to Jon's sleeping face beside her.

He lay on his back, breathing softly, her body still snuggled close to his. She smiled, feeling the warmth of his presence, and carefully slipped her hand into his boxers. Their connection was natural. Her need for him was not just physical, but emotional... a way to remind herself of the love they shared.

As his breath deepened, she slipped her underwear down her legs and crawled up his body to give him a kiss. Her hips twirled, maneuvering into the right position, before she sank her hips down. Jon felt her warmth as she accepted him into her body.

His eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of his beautiful wife hovering above him, her hands grasping his shoulders, a smile tugging at her lips. He could feel the softness of her body, the closeness that grounded them both.

"I'm sorry," she whispered softly. "I really needed to feel you."

Jon reached up, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Never apologize," he said tenderly. "I'm yours."

"I'm sorry for snapping at you last night."

"No worries. That was an unexpected circumstance. We're good."

Sara leaned down, pressing a kiss to his lips as she melted into his embrace. Their bodies moved in sync, but it wasn't just about the physical act, it was about the warmth between them, the love that wrapped around them like a cocoon, shutting out the world for a few precious moments.

She grinned as Jon flinched beneath her, her muscles squeezing him with each upward glide before she sank back down, slow and sure.

When her body finally pulled up and arched, her fingers digging into his shoulders, Jon watched in awe. Her pleasure bloomed in silence, subtle, breathtaking. Eyes shut tight, body trembling against his, a sharp inhale before her lips parted in a gasp. She was so beautiful like this. Raw. Unfiltered. His.

Sara dropped her body back onto his. Her breath heavy as she kissed his neck. He waited, allowing her to enjoy herself, feeling her body stiffen once again.

The intimacy between them wasn't rushed, just two people finding peace in each other. After a few moments, she whispered in his ear, "Your turn, my love."

Jon smiled, rolling her over gently as they moved together effortlessly, the familiar dance of two people who had shared so much life together. He looked down at her, the way her eyes held so much love for him, and his heart swelled.

"MMMMM.... I love your weight on top of me... I feel wrapped up and safe. Loved," she said.

Jon lifted himself slightly, brushing his thumb against her cheek as he saw tears gathering in her eyes. "Hey," he whispered. "Are you okay?"

He knew the answer before she spoke. Knew the look in her eyes, the weight behind it. She was scared. But of what? Of them? Of losing herself?

"God, if only she could see what I see," he thought. She saw cracks in the mirror. He saw resilience, beauty, love. Everything he ever wanted, right here, trembling in his arms.

"No," Sara said, shaking her head as the emotion spilled over.

He rolled back onto his side as they lay together, wrapped in each other's arms.

"Seeing her last night. She looked so weak... broken. It's like I abandoned her when she needed me most..." she said.

"Sara... To be fair, your mom left. She disappeared for a week. Didn't call anyone. That's not on you."

"Maybe not, but when she tried, I avoided her calls... I was so angry, and I didn't even try to find her. I became so concerned with my dad that I didn't have room for her."

"What's wrong with me? She muttered, frustration creeping into her voice. "Why can't I find a middle ground? I'm all in or completely distant."

"Nothing's wrong with you," Jon replied, his voice soft and reassuring.

"You're dealing with a lot right now. Your mom's choices, the changes in their marriage... and your whole family dynamic. Your own internal changes. New job. Our changing future. Cut yourself some slack."

Sara smiled weakly at him and muttered. "I just stood at the door last night. I couldn't go in. We stared at each other for a while, and... I lost it when she told me she was back. I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Then don't pressure yourself to believe anything yet," Jon said, his hand stroking her hair. "Let it unfold. Listen to her when she comes to you. You've got a great heart. You'll know what to do,"

Sara rested her head against his chest, letting the quiet comfort of his words settle over her. Maybe Jon was right. Her parents had to figure out their own mess before she or Scott could step in. She couldn't keep blaming herself for her mother's actions.

Exhaling, she picked her head up. "There's something else."

"Ok."

"Seeing her last night... It just brought it all up again. I don't know if I'm scared of being a mom or just scared that... once I am one, I won't be me anymore. That I'll get so wrapped up in being a mother that I forget how to be myself. Or your wife."

"Never happen." Said Jon.

"That's what my dad thought. They had it all. Yet their love faded."

"It'll never happen, Sara. Look at me." His fingers gently tilt her chin, coaxing her to meet his gaze. His voice is steady, warm and anchoring. "I'd like to believe that our parents' disasters taught us something. Your mom stopped talking with your dad. She shut him out. My dad? He gave up and let his marriage drift away. That's not us."

"We know what not to do. And more importantly... we know what to do. We don't run. We don't hold back. If something's wrong, we fix it together." He brushes his thumb over her lips, voice softer now. "That's the difference. We're not them, baby. We never will be."

"I love you," she whispered, the moment broken by her phone buzzing on the nightstand.

They held each other for a while longer before Sara sat up and read the text from her dad in the family group chat:

Back home from the hospital. Mom being released today, staying with Cassie. Doctor says she will recover. Love you both.

Sara watches the text from her dad for a second longer than she needs to. Julie is recovering. But recovery is not redemption, and forgiveness isn't healing. Not yet.

Sara read the text from Em.

Getting breakfast with Stephen. ???? ???? ???? Be back soon. ❤️

She flicked a quick response, then watched her nude husband walk towards the bathroom.

Ok. Quick shower. See you soon.

Exhaling, she rolled onto her side to watch Jon. He stopped to watch her, always watching her, like he can hear the thoughts she doesn't say out loud.

"You okay?"

"I will be," said Sara, getting up and walking towards Jon.

"You want to get in first? I can check on Stephen and Em." said Jon.

"No. They're out getting breakfast for us. You, however..."

She pulled him in for a deep, lingering kiss, one that said more than words ever could. Her hands slid down his torso, wrapping around his semi-erect cock with practiced affection.

"Are coming in with me," she whispered against his lips, her eyes locking with his. "I have unfinished business with your sexy body... and I will always take care of my man."

Without waiting for a reply, she took his hand and led him toward the bathroom, their bodies melting into the rising steam.

Chapter 08 | Interludes | Sara & Em

12 PM |

Sara stepped onto the balcony, stretching against the light breeze. She expected to find Em lounging with her usual lazy smirk, coffee in one hand, phone in the other.

Instead, Em sat curled up in the chair, staring into her cup, eyes rimmed with tears.

Sara's teasing grin faded instantly. "Oh honey, what's wrong?"

Em sniffled, shaking her head. "Just... a little overwhelmed right now."

Sara lowered herself into the chair beside her. "Did something bad happen last night?"

"No, nothing like that," Em murmured. "Totally the opposite... He was... great. Supportive. Loving when he had no reason to be. He made me feel safe." She let out a dry chuckle. "And, no, I didn't get any."

Sara raised an eyebrow. "Surprising, but okay. So, why are you out here, looking like someone stole your favorite deck of those Space Wizard cards?"

Em rolled her eyes. "They're Nexus cards."

"Whatever." said Sara, waving her hand.

Em sighed, rolling the mug between her palms. "I've never... had something like this before, Sar. You know my past relationships have sucked." She hesitated, her voice dropping. "I'm scared I'm going to fuck this up."

Sara didn't hesitate. She wrapped Em in a tight, grounding hug. "You won't." She pulled back just enough to meet her best friend's glassy eyes. "Because you're not the same girl, you were five years ago. You're ready. And I'm your inside wing girl on this one. We're good."

Em exhaled sharply. "I almost screwed it up twice since last night alone. What if..."

Sara held up a hand, cutting her off. "Hey, stay in your lane. I'm the what if girl, not you. So get your shit together."

Em smirked through the tears, lifting her hand in a mock salute before falling back into the hug.

"You are too good to me."

"No, we're good for each other." Sara squeezed her once more before pulling away. "Now c'mon, talk."

They settled back into their chairs; the city stretching out before them.

Em sighed, rubbing her face. "I like him, Sara. More than I expected. And that scares me."

Sara just nodded, waiting.

Em hesitated, giving a soft laugh. "My parents always joke about us being a throuple, which, oddly enough, I've never fought the idea." She smirked. "I love you. You and Jon are my world... but now with Stephen..."

Sara watched her carefully, picking up on the shift in her tone, the way Em wasn't just joking.

"I don't get nervous about dates, Sara. But this? This is different."

Sara nudged her knee against Em's. "I can't believe that I'm the one saying this, but you need to relax. Stephen will like you for you. You don't have to put on a show for him."

Em let out a long breath. "Just promise me that if I get all fangirl about him, you'll slap me, okay?"

Sara smirked. "Got it. I'm the dom. You're my bitch."

Em snorted, playfully slapping Sara's arm. "Asshole."

Before Sara could fire back, the sliding door opened, and Stephen stuck his head out. "Hey Ember. I'm heading back to the city in a few. You need a lift, or you okay to get back?"

Em blinked. Did he have to sound so damn effortless? Just standing there like a walking sense of security?

Ugh. Unfair.

She hated how much she liked it.

She dropped her shoulders, throwing up her arms dramatically.

"Oh my god, of course you've listened to my podcast. Jesus Christ! It's like you're a stalker!"

Sara bit back a grin, watching Em do what she always did, deflect when she felt exposed.

Stephen, unfazed, gave her a curious smile.

Em took a deep breath, ran a hand through her hair, and got up. She walked toward Sara, pulling her into a tight, lingering hug.

"I love you. Talk soon."

She stopped next to Stephen, before walking through the door, letting her shoulder brush against his arm. "Yes, a ride would be great. Let me grab my things."

She paused, met his eyes.

"And sorry... I don't really think you're a stalker."

Sara watched the way Em squeezed his hand as she left the balcony. Small, unspoken, but full of something deeper.

She giggled as she turned to embrace Stephen in a quick hug. "Be gentle."

Stephen frowned. "What?"

"You've really got her on edge." Sara pulled back, smiling up at him. "That's why she's lashing out. This is new ground for her. But I promise, she's sooo worth it."

Stephen glanced toward the door where Em had disappeared, something thoughtful passing over his face.

"I'm not in a rush. I want to get this right." He turned back to Sara, his voice quieter. "And thank you."

Sara grinned. "Good. Now go, before she overthinks herself into a panic attack."

Stephen huffed a quiet laugh before stepping back inside, leaving Sara alone with the city skyline and the lingering warmth of knowing that, maybe for the first time, Em had finally met her match.

Chapter 09 | Julie & Sara

SATURDAY MAY 18 2024 | Long Island

Sara knocked on the door before entering Aunt Cassie's house. "Aunt Cassie? Hello?"

The warm scent of fresh coffee and something baking greeted her as she stepped inside.

"In the kitchen." Cassie was at the kitchen counter, humming a tune as she worked. She called over her shoulder with a smile. "Good morning Sara. How are you?"

"I'm good," Sara replied, her voice a little more strained than she intended. "I brought some things for Mom."

Cassie turned, her smile faltering as she gave Sara a quick hug. "Thank you. She's in the back room, by the garden. I'll give you two a few minutes, then I'll bring out some berry muffins."

Sara nodded, watching her aunt step over to the oven. She stood for a moment in the entryway, the weight of what she was about to do pressing on her chest. With a sigh, she walked toward the back of the house, past family photos and windows that let in the soft glow of the morning light.

The door to the back room was cracked open. Julie was sitting by the glass wall that looked out onto Cassie's flowering backyard, the early blooms a stark contrast to the dullness that seemed to hang around her mother. Julie was sipping tea, her fingers wrapped around the ceramic as if trying to absorb its warmth.

Sara stepped into the room, placing the bag on the chair beside Julie. She glanced at her mother, unsure how to start.

"Hi mom. I brought you a selection of clothes," Sara said, her voice quiet. "Underwear, some things you might need. Let me know if there's anything else you want me to bring next time?"

Julie blinked, her eyes flickering from the bag to Sara's face. She managed a small, grateful smile. "No, this is more than enough, sweetheart. Thank you. I've missed you." Her voice was thin, tired, but there was a soft warmth in it that made Sara's heart ache.

"I can't stay for a visit, Mom. I just brought your things."

"Well... I still appreciate it. Can we sit for a minute?"

Sara hesitated before sitting down across from her. The silence between them felt like a vast chasm, too wide to bridge, but Sara asked anyway.

"How... how are you doing, Mom?"

Julie's gaze drifted back to the window, watching the birds flit between the flowers outside. She took a slow sip of her tea before responding. "I don't know," she whispered. "Some days I wake up and I almost forget... for just a second, before it all rushes back in. The weight of it. What I did. What I lost."

Sara swallowed hard, her chest tightening. The part of her that wanted to stay angry, to demand answers, weakened in the face of her mother's quiet regret.

Julie exhaled and looked at Sara, her eyes searching, pleading. "I never wanted this, Sara."

Sara stiffens. "You didn't want this?" The words feel sharp in her mouth. "Mom, you chose this path. For all of us!"

Julie flinches but doesn't look away. "I didn't choose to hurt him. Or you. Or Scott." She shakes her head. "I was selfish. I was looking for... I don't even know anymore. Something to make me feel like I hadn't disappeared."

Sara folds her arms, her jaw tight. "And did it? Did it make you feel alive? Did you reclaim your power and reappear?"

Julie gave a quick snort. Her eyes flickered with something like shame before she looked away again, staring at the garden. "No. Not at all," she whispered. "You don't understand. You're still young. You still have everything ahead of you."

Sara's fingers clenched into fists in her lap as the scent of blooming jasmine filtered in through the open window. She kept her voice steady.

"You didn't just destroy Dad, you hurt all of us. I don't know how we're supposed to recover from this."

Julie winced at the words, but didn't look away. She seemed almost resigned, as if she knew she deserved them.

Julie exhales. "Does he... does he hate me that much?"

Sara swallows, choosing her words carefully. "He's getting by," she repeats. "He's hurt. Angry. But hate? No, Mom. I don't think he could ever hate you."

Julie nods, blinking as she runs a hand through her hair. "And you?" she asks.

Sara's throat tightens. "I don't know," she admits, and for once, she lets that truth hang between them, unvarnished and real.

After a long pause, she continued, her voice quiet but firm. "I'm here. I'm not sure about anything else, but I'm here."

Julie nods again, accepting the answer even though it wounds her. "That's fair," she whispers.

Julie looked down at her hands, her fingers trembling again. "I've lost everything, haven't I?"

Sara's voice softened, her anger ebbing away as she looked at the woman who had raised her, who had shattered everything. "No. I'm angry but, you haven't lost me, or Scott, Mom. Not yet."

A beat passes before Julie shifts, clearing her throat. "Cassie's been taking care of me. She's been... patient. Even when I don't deserve it."

Sara nods. "Aunt Cassie's always been the best of us."

Julie lets out a hollow laugh. "Since we were kids. She says I need to stop hiding. That I can't stay in this house forever." She looks at Sara again. "What do you think?"

Sara exhales, running a hand through her hair. "I think... I think I don't know what you're supposed to do next, Mom. But I know Dad's not waiting for you. He's trying to move on."

Julie closes her eyes for a long moment before nodding. "I know."

Another silence stretches between them, interrupted only by the faint sounds of Cassie moving around in the kitchen.

Julie looks at Sara, her expression raw and open. "Do you think... Can we ever be okay again? I'm still your mother. I still love you."

Sara paused, her heart beating faster as the question hung in the air. She didn't have an answer. She didn't know. But for the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't want to lie to her mother.

"I don't know. You were more than just my mother. And you broke that. Love isn't a free pass, Mom. It doesn't automatically reset... anything. It's a choice, and right now... I'm not ready to choose it."

Julie closed her eyes.

"I don't know how we fix this. But I know you need to stop asking me to make you feel better about what you did." Sara grabs her purse as she gets up and angles towards the door.

"Sara, please... stay a little longer," said Julie.

"I have to go," Sara said, the words coming out sharper than she meant. But she didn't take them back.

"Look. I'm... sure that we'll eventually be ok," said Sara, her voice catching. "I just don't know what that looks like right now. I'm trying, Mom."

Julie smiled, her eyes full of tears. "That's all we can do, isn't it? Try?"

Sara nodded, her heart tight with a mix of hope and lingering ache.

"Yeah," she said quietly. Then, after a pause, "I'll see you inside."

She turned and made her way toward the house. At the door, she paused briefly as Cassie appeared, balancing a platter of hot muffins, fresh butter, and fruit jellies.

Sara offered a faint but genuine smile, grateful, if not ready to say much. "Smells amazing," she murmured, brushing past with the smallest touch to her aunt's arm.

Cassie gave her a knowing look and said nothing. She didn't have to.

******

Cassie placed the platter on the table and walked back inside to stand by the kitchen window. Watching Sara walk down the driveway.

At first, she moved with purpose, her spine straight, shoulders squared, her mother's daughter in every way. But then, just as she reached her car, it happened.

Sara's hands trembled as she fumbled with her keys. She leaned against the car, pressing her forehead to the cool metal as her breath came in uneven gasps. Cassie saw the way her shoulders shook, how she clenched and unclenched her fists, as if she were trying to hold herself together by force of will alone.

But it was too much.

Her body crumpled just slightly, like a doll with its strings cut. One hand covered her mouth as a muffled sob tore through her, her other arm wrapping around herself like a shield. The weight of everything... her mother's betrayal, the broken family, the ache of still wanting to love her despite it all... was too much to carry alone.

Cassie exhaled softly, her heart twisting at the sight.

She wanted to go outside, to comfort her niece, to say something that would make this easier. But some wounds had to be felt before they could heal.

Instead, she whispered to herself, "She deserved better."

And inside, she knew that Julie, watching from the doorway behind her, had heard her.

******

Julie had expected pain and anger. Expected her daughter to look at her with the same judgment that Tony and Scott had.

But nothing could have prepared her for the finality in Sara's voice.

"Love isn't a free pass, Mom. Stop asking me to make you feel better about what you did."

She closed her eyes; the words slicing through her like razor wire.

Sara hadn't screamed. Hadn't thrown accusations or curses.

She had simply... let go.

And that was worse.

Julie spent weeks believing she could fix this, that if she said the right words, made the right promises, her daughter would forgive her. But for the first time, she saw it clearly.

She lost Sara.

Julie swallowed hard, willing herself to stay upright as she listened to the front door close, the sound of Sara's footsteps retreating down the path.

The silence became unbearable. She couldn't let Sara just leave.

She rose from her chair and walked back into the kitchen, turning toward Cassie, watching Sara through the window.

Julie already knew what she'd see. She was too late.

Her daughter, breaking down in the driveway.

The sight gutted her in a way she hadn't expected. She'd spent so long wrapped up in her own pain, her own mistakes, that she hadn't truly stopped to see the damage she had done to the people she loved most.

Sara had been the last thread connecting her to the life she once had. And now, that thread was fraying, slipping through her fingers.

Julie wiped at her eyes, blinking rapidly as she turned away from the window.

She didn't deserve to cry.

Not yet.

Not until she became the mother her daughter... her children deserved.

And if that meant waiting until Sara was ready, she would.

No matter how much it hurts.

Chapter 10 | Julie -- 2nd Visit

Wednesday May 22 2024 | 10 AM | Alone, & Healing

The calm, professional air of the office did nothing to stop Julie from fidgeting in her chair, her fingers twisting the fabric of her sleeve.

It was her second visit with Dr. Bowne, the therapist Cassie had recommended. She had worked with Dr. Bowne on divorce cases before, always praising her as sharp, thorough, and exceptional at her job. Julie wasn't so sure she wanted exceptional. She just wanted someone to tell her how to fix this.

She crossed and uncrossed her arms, as she settled her hips in the chair, trying to find a comfortable position, but the long sleeves of her shirt, meant to hide the IV bruises, clung to her skin in all the wrong ways.

The door opened.

"Hello, Julie."

Dr. Bowne entered with practiced confidence, her tall, slender frame moving effortlessly across the room. Her silver-streaked auburn hair, neatly pinned back, was a sharp contrast to Julie's tangled, barely brushed waves. The doctor's tailored gray suit and complete lack of jewelry added to her presence. All business, no distraction.

Julie forced herself upright in her chair, her shoulders stiff.

"Hello, doctor," she said, her voice quieter than she intended. She found it difficult to meet Dr. Bowne's gaze, those piercing blue-gray eyes, sharp as if they had seen through decades of bullshit and would not be easily fooled.

Dr. Bowne took her seat, crossing her legs with the natural ease of someone who had done this for over thirty years.

"It's good to see you again," she said. "Before we begin, I wanted to thank you for being so open during our first session last week. I know that wasn't easy."

Julie nodded, keeping her head turned slightly away.

"Have you spoken to anyone in your family this week?"

Julie shook her head no, without hesitation.

"Okay. Well, it's still raw for them..."

"No," Julie interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended. "That's wrong. Let me clarify. I tried calling my daughter, but she didn't answer or call back. But we had a brief conversation this week when she brought over a bag of clothes for me. Cassie is in touch with my son, and I've spoken to him, but it was just pleasantries, not a real conversation. And Tony..."

Her throat tightened.

"I can't."

"That's okay," Dr. Bowne said gently. "How did it go with Sara?"

Julie stared at her hands, cracking her knuckles. "It started out ok, but I opened my mouth and it went bad pretty fast. She got angry... and left crying."

"Ok. Alright. It's a start, Julie. We'll get there. Let's push that to the side for the moment and focus on where we ended off last week."

Julie turned fully to face her now, and nodded, though her posture remained tight, as if holding herself together by sheer force of will.

Dr. Bowne's gaze remained steady, unrelenting. "Have you given any more thought as to why you did it?"

Julie exhaled sharply. "I... I needed to feel alive. To reclaim something of myself."

The words came out automatically, her old rehearsed lines. But this time, they sounded different, hollow, weak. Fake words to shield herself from the consequences.

She felt the weight of it before Dr. Bowne even spoke.

"Ok. So did you?" the therapist asked, voice calm, measured. "Did you feel alive? Did it fix whatever you thought was broken inside?"

Julie opened her mouth, then closed it.

She had nothing left to say.

Her fingers curled into fists as she whispered, "No."

Dr. Bowne allowed that thought to linger. "Right. So, how are you feeling today?"

"Like shit."

Julie huffed, waving a hand dismissively before Dr. Bowne could respond.

"I mean, what kind of woman lands herself in the hospital because of a man who didn't even pretend to care?"

Dr. Bowne studied her carefully, expression unreadable.

"You tell me."

Julie let out a hollow laugh, shaking her head.

"Me. Because I'm a goddamn idiot. That's who."

"That's harsh," Dr. Bowne noted, her tone calm but firm. "You didn't express these emotions last week."

Julie's jaw clenched.

"Because last week, I was still stupid enough to believe it might have meant something. That he meant something."

Her fingers curled into a fist on her lap, tension coiling in her shoulders.

"Turns out, I'm just another easy mark."

Dr. Bowne tilted her head slightly.

"What changed?"

Julie exhaled sharply, her lips pressing together before she spoke.

"Me. The hospital. My family... The second he got everything he wanted..." she trailed off, shaking her head before her voice hardened.

"All that charm, all those lines about how I deserved to feel special, to be seen... they vanished the second I needed something from him."

Dr. Bowne let the silence stretch for a beat before asking, "And what did you need?"

Julie's breathing hitched slightly, but she forced out the words, anyway.

"To not be alone."

Her voice wavered now, but she refused to cry.

"He left me there in that hotel room... crying, shaking."

"You weren't alone, though," Dr. Bowne said, voice measured. "You had a husband. Children."

Julie's head snapped up, eyes flashing.

"A husband who hadn't looked at me like a woman in months. Kids who were too busy living their own lives. Do you have any idea what that kind of loneliness feels like?"

Dr. Bowne didn't react to the outburst, her gaze steady.

"I think the better question is... did you?"

Julie blinked, thrown off by the response.

"Did I... what?"

"Did you see Tony? Did you look at him like a husband, a man... or did you stop looking the moment you started resenting him?"

Julie froze, lips parting slightly as her fingers twitched against her knee. She looked away.

"That's not... fair," she muttered.

"Maybe not," Dr. Bowne said, unbothered. "But it's honest."

Julie's eyes darted toward the bookshelf, her breathing a little heavier.

"I don't know," she admitted, voice quieter. "Maybe I did stop looking. Maybe... maybe it was easier to blame him than to admit that I was the one who felt empty."

Dr. Bowne nodded once, a quiet affirmation.

"It's easier to feel wanted by someone new than to fix what feels broken, isn't it?"

Julie flinched but didn't reply. Slowly shaking her head.

She let out a harsh exhale. "God. I sound pathetic."

"No," Dr. Bowne corrected, her voice steady. "You sound human."

Julie swallowed, staring down at her lap.

"But if you don't let yourself process this honestly, you'll spend the rest of your life stuck in this cycle, chasing validation, running from guilt, finding new ways to punish yourself instead of learning from your mistakes."

Julie's jaw tightened, fingers pressing into her forehead.

"Christ, I don't even know how to fix this."

"You start by owning it. Fully," Dr. Bowne said.

Her tone remained gentle but unrelenting.

"No justifications. No blaming Tony for not seeing you, or Sara for cutting you out, or even William for being exactly who he always was. You sit with what you did and what it cost you. Then, and only then, can you figure out what's next."

Julie remained silent, her throat working as she swallowed hard. Her fingers tightened in her lap.

"It cost me everything," she whispered.

Dr. Bowne let the words sit for a moment before responding.

"Not everything. And not yet. But if you don't start making changes, it will."

Julie exhaled shakily, finally looking up. Her eyes were tired, raw. But there was something else now.

A shift.

A crack in the armor.

"So where do I even start?"

Dr. Bowne's lips curled slightly, not quite a smile, but close.

"With telling yourself the truth. No matter how much it hurts."

Chapter 11 | Tony

Thursday, May 30, 2024 | 10 AM | Alone & Coping

Tony glanced at the open window as the light breeze rolled across his face, mingling with the melancholic strains of Black Sabbath from the kitchen speakers.

Solitude had been getting a lot of play lately... the unintentional soundtrack to the quiet mornings he spent alone.

His days blurred together. Wake up around 10, maybe 11, mostly 7, coffee, breakfast. Today, he was treating himself to bacon and eggs, though the idea of "treating" felt hollow.

The kitchen drapes fluttered, and the Moka pot on the stove gurgled. A sound that should have been comforting, but like everything else in the house, it just emphasized her absence. Their morning coffee ritual... had become another casualty.

He turned off the burner, letting the coffee finish brewing, and absently ground salt and Calabrian chilis onto his eggs. Meals broke the day into manageable chunks.

The flavors hit his tongue but failed to register. Salt, pepper, and chili tasted as bland as the surrounding silence.

After washing the dishes, Tony poured the remaining espresso into his mug and wandered to the kitchen window.

Outside, sunlight filtered through budding branches, where birds flitted about, weaving nests in anticipation of something new.

The steady tick of the hallway clock pulled him back inside, emphasizing the quiet. While not a mansion, the house was too big for one person. That he could hear the clock felt like all the proof he needed.

The house had become a mausoleum, haunted by the ghosts of happier times. Each room carried its memories, but the kitchen... The kitchen held the memory of the fight. The argument that shattered everything.

He talked it over with Sara, who clung to the idea of some midlife crisis gone terribly wrong. But could it really be that simple?

Something had driven Julie to throw everything away, but he wasn't sure he could trust her. The apology in the hospital had seemed sincere; she'd looked broken, remorseful. She'd said the delusion... or the fog, was gone. But fog always returned. That's what scared him the most.

Anyway, he couldn't shake the feeling that it might be another deception.

They'd need to talk soon, but divorce seemed like the bare minimum. He needed closure... a final, irrefutable line against betrayal.

At fifty-seven, he stood at a crossroads. The plan he and Julie had once dreamed of for their later years had been shattered, leaving him in an empty house and a future he couldn't see.

He'd taken a leave of absence from work, lingering in this too-large, too-quiet home, waiting for something... anything... to make sense, or to at least wake him from this nightmare.

Either way, something had to change...

Chapter 12 | Julie -- 3rd Visit

"... and how did that make you feel?"

Julie stared at Dr. Bowne from her soft therapy chair, her fingers absently tracing the leather armrest. "Was that question a joke?" She thought while furrowing brow, feeling trapped in what felt like a scripted therapy scene. "How did it make me feel?"

"Like I wanted to reach through the cell lines and strangle the bastard." She said finally, her voice tight with carefully contained rage. "That's how."

Dr. Bowne chuckled, unfazed. "I understand that... But why? It's what you wanted, wasn't it? New experiences... something different... new adventures to write about."

"I..." Julie swallowed hard, reeling from each point the doctor made. Each point unraveling her self constructed narrative. She was growing to hate the word... experiences.

But that had been her initial thoughts, hadn't it? Trying to fill some void, searching for something to make her feel alive again. But that didn't make her a call girl.

"I'm not some... slut, to be summoned. He texted me while I was laying in a hospital bed. I'd never even met the guy."

"Maybe not, but... let's see..." Dr. Bowne tapped on her tablet, scrolling. "Ah, yes. William. He mentioned he was going to introduce you to someone else... that would be this, Matt, right? Would an in-person introduction have changed things? Would you have been more open to sleeping with him then?"

"No, I..." Julie felt her chest tighten as tears pooled in her eyes. "I'm not some slut for them to use! One of the girls called to check on me and told me what they were saying at the club. How they were going to double team me, fill me up and fulfill my fantasies! Those are NOT my fantasies... that's not..."

"Julie," Dr. Bowne's voice softened, but remained unyielding. "You'll need to face this. You opened the door, and they took it as an invitation. To them, sharing you around is part of their thrill. You wanted excitement, and they offered it."

The truth of it settled over Julie like a heavy blanket. Suffocating... She looked down at her hands, twirling the wedding ring she still wore... a habit she couldn't break. Each gleam of gold was a reminder of promises broken, of trust betrayed.

"I don't know what I was looking for anymore," she whispered, the words barely audible. "Ii was stupid and got what I deserved."

Julie exhaled through her nose, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Why couldn't he just accept it... or join in with me?"

Dr. Bowne's head tilted slightly. "Did he get that option? To join in?"

Julie blinked. "No..."

"Right. You wanted it all. Regardless of his feelings."

"That's not what I..."

"Julie," Dr. Bowne interrupted, gently but firmly, "unless you've lied to me, look at the facts. This was all about you. Every action you took was about you."

Julie's lips parted, but no words came. Her voice caught as she murmured,

"But I don't love William..."

Silence.

An endless silence, broken only by the soft tick of the clock on the wall... Julie closed her eyes, breathing through the ache.

"I just..."

Julie's head sunk as her fingers rubbed her temple.

Chapter 13 | Long Island

The ride back to Cassie's was quiet. Cassie didn't start any conversations, and Julie stared out the window, struggling to keep her tears in check.

She stared at her gaunt dull eyed reflection on the car window... unrecognizable from the woman she was before she started down this path. Those fleeting moments of youth left her more confused than ever.

******

Once home, Cassie handed her a steaming cup of peppermint tea, the ground leaves fresh from her garden, and they sat in silence, letting the warmth soothe them.

"I thought I couldn't feel any lower," Julie finally murmured, breaking the quiet, "but after today's session..."

"Was any of this worth it?" Cassie asked.

"What?"

Cassie's gaze was steady. "These experiences you were chasing. Was it worth it?"

Julie looked at her sister... her older, grounded sister who'd been her rock. Cassie would never have done something like this to her own family. She'd lost her husband Donovan two years ago, but still carried herself with grace and gratitude.

After a long sip, Julie whispered, "In the end, no."

She paused, lost in thought. "At first, it was intoxicating. Just the idea of a younger man finding me attractive made me feel... alive, sexy, in a way I hadn't felt in years." Her voice caught. "But I created the romance, and the butterflies. I placed him on a pedestal while I chipped away at Tony, convincing myself I deserved more. William just wanted easy, no-strings sex. Which I stupidly provided."

Cassie's voice was gentle. "What about the hospital? Don't you blame him for that?"

"No." Julie shook her head. "How can I? I did that to myself. I put myself in a position I should never have been in, believing I was being so bold, living this cutting edge younger man lifestyle. But I wasn't. I'm just an old fool."

Cassie nodded, sensing her sister needed to keep going. This was the most she had been able to get out of Julie in the almost two weeks that she had been here.

Julie's voice softened. "If I've learned anything, it's to never allow myself to ever become so entitled, so foolish. I should've valued what I'd built with Tony, the struggles we overcame, the triumphs we celebrated... the love we made."

Cassie rose, giving Julie a tight hug and a kiss on the head. "You'll get through this. I'll make us some lunch." As she headed to the kitchen.

Julie rocked gently, regaining her composure. Lunch didn't sound appealing. She wanted brunch. Brunch with her family.

This coming Sunday was their family brunch at Meadows Diner. Maybe it was time to stop hiding and take that first step toward reclaiming her life... and dream of reconciliation.

Julie loved that her sister was always there for her, but Cassie was right. She couldn't keep hiding at her house.

Something has to change...

Later that night, Julie curled herself in the guest room's armchair, the silence pressing against her ears. Cassie had gone to bed an hour ago, but sleep wasn't an option. Not tonight.

She traced a finger over the cold rim of her tea mug, staring at nothing in particular. The quiet used to feel peaceful. Now it felt suffocating.

For months, she had convinced herself she was chasing something real. Freedom. Power. A rediscovery of the woman she used to be. But now?

Now she saw the truth. She hadn't been reclaiming herself... she'd been running.

Running from time, from age, from the slow erosion of attention and desire. From the fear that, if she stopped moving, she'd disappear completely.

But she had stopped. And she was still here. Still breathing. Still trapped in the ruin of her choices.

And there was no undoing it. Only a long road forward... if she could even find the path.

End Book Two

******

Scene Break | Reader Check in

Sara leans back in her chair, glancing out at the audience.

"So... what do you think of us characters so far?" she asked. "Are we landing as real people, or still coming off like rough drafts?"

Em pops her head out from stage left. "Also, who would you have a drink with? Or sleep with? Because let's be honest... I win that one."

Holding an emoji sign: ????????

"Em!" Sara groaned. "Seriously. J's trying to get actual feedback. Like do we feel like real people, not just plot devices."

Em shrugged, completely unfazed. "Being emotionally complex and bangable? It's called range, sweetie."

******

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