“Oh, Carol?”
Her eyes narrowed.
“The dishes are still in the sink.”
I nodded toward Mason.
“Your son knows where the sponge is.”
Then I shut the door.
I walked three blocks before ordering a ride because I didn’t want the driver arriving outside their house.
The second I reached the corner, I blocked Mason’s number.
Then Carol’s.
Then I called my mother.
She answered cheerfully.
“Mrs. Reed! How does married life feel?”
My throat tightened.
“Mom…”
Her voice changed immediately.
“What happened?”
“I’m leaving Mason.”
Silence.
I expected questions.
Instead, she said, “Where are you?”
“Walking toward Preston Road.”
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have your documents?”
“Yes.”
“Money?”
“Yes.”
“Then come home.”
That was all.
No lecture.
No demand that I reconsider.
No reminder that we had spent a fortune on the wedding.
Just:
Come home.
I closed my eyes.
“Dad is going to be devastated.”
