#Chapter 25 - Secret Goodbyes

Shirley As quiet as a mouse, I step out of the room, my eyes scanning the entryway as if expecting to find shattered glass and carnage. However, everything is still perfectly in its place and my eyes are left landing on the only movement I can spot in the hallway. Jean is standing there, hugging herself as she looks toward the door. I don’t say anything as the seconds tick by, giving her space to gather her thoughts as I prepare myself for whatever reaction she’ll have once the adrenaline wears off. It takes a good five minutes and my feet are sore as my heels press into the ground, but finally - Jean blinks. Then she repeats the action, but her eyelids become more rapid, fluttering quickly before tears begin to fall. The moment she looks over at me, she releases a sob. “Shirley,” she tries. I rush over, throwing my arms around her as I shut my eyes tight and squeeze her tighter. She trembles in my arms as her cries fill the hall, and I just let her empty