Kathrine watched as the car disappeared into the distance, her chest tightening with every second it grew smaller. The emptiness that followed felt heavier than she expected.
She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to steady the storm raging within her.
It was only when she instinctively reached for her bag that she froze.
Her hand met nothing.
Her breath hitched.
She looked down at her empty shoulder, her mind racing.
She had left it behind. Inside the restaurant.
For a moment, she considered leaving it there. Considered walking away from everything connected to today. But she knew she could not. Her phone, her keys, everything she needed was inside.
Taking a slow, steady breath, she turned around and began walking back toward the restaurant.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
