FIA
I turned and walked away. Garrett fell into step beside me. Baruch materialized on my other side. Their presence was a shield. A reminder that I wasn't alone anymore. Wasn't powerless.
The tears pressed behind my eyes. Hot and insistent. I blinked them back. Goddess, it was hard. But I kept my chin up and kept walking.
We reached the lounge. The door stood open. The room beyond looked exactly as I'd left it.
I however stopped at the threshold.
"I cannot be here," I said.
Baruch looked at me. His expression was neutral but his eyes were understanding.
"I have to see my mother."
They didn't question it. They didn't ask if I was sure or suggest we wait. They just nodded and followed as I changed direction and walked through the building and out the back entrance. Away from the formal gardens and manicured lawns.
The grave was far from the main estate. Tucked away where visitors wouldn't stumble across it. Where it wouldn't remind anyone of uncomfortable truths.
