#Chapter 84: Without a Date

Abby I’m seated on a lounge chair in the back lawn, soaking in the sun and the chirping of birds as a soothing backdrop. The air smells of freshly cut grass, and I’m surrounded by the vibrant colors of the garden—reds, yellows, and blues.. It’s peaceful, almost idyllic, but my mind is elsewhere. I keep thinking about Karl’s words yesterday, how he never made an official announcement about my fidelity. All morning, I’ve been getting strange looks from members of the staff—aside from Elsie, who has never been anything but pleasant. Part of me wants to announce it myself to set the record straight, but something tells me that most of the staff who are unabashedly loyal to Karl wouldn’t believe me. And besides, he should do it himself. He should be the one who admits to his shortcomings, not me. Suddenly, my phone rings, breaking me out of my reverie. I glance down and let out a soft sigh. Ethan’s name is flashing on the screen. “Hey Ethan, what’s up?” I answer, m