Chapter 9

Alexander had been abroad for three months now. He kept his curtains shut tight all that time, sitting alone in his room, lost in thought for hours. He knew his gloom came from Audrey. Even though he'd cut her out of his life, the past was carved too deep. She'd become a habit he couldn't break. Sean had taken him out to eat. When Alexander tasted a dish he loved, he instinctively turned to the empty space beside him and said, "Babe, this is delicious. You should try making it at home." It startled Sean and himself. At night, Alexander would reach out in his sleep, expecting to pull someone close, only to find empty space. And just like that, he'd lie there, staring into the dark until morning. Even getting dressed felt wrong. Audrey used to take care of his clothes, each piece lightly scented with perfume she'd carefully chosen. Now, his clothes would come back from the dry cleaners smelling of nothing. Over the years, she had become an integral part of his life. They were like