Kimi's POV
The nurse discharged me later that evening.
My legs still felt unsteady as I walked through the hospital corridors. The rejection pain had dulled to a constant ache, but every step reminded me of what I'd lost.
Olive offered to drive me home, but I declined. I needed time to prepare myself. Time to build the mask I would have to wear for my mother.
The walk home took longer than usual. I moved slowly, carefully, like someone recovering from a serious illness.
Which, I supposed, I was.
The setting sun painted the sky in shades of orange and pink. It should have been beautiful. Instead, it just reminded me that this was the worst day of my life coming to an end.
Our small house came into view, and I could see warm light glowing through the kitchen window. Mom was home from work.
I paused at our front gate, taking several deep breaths.
*You can do this,* I told myself. *She can never know what happened today.*
