I placed my old backpack near the front door. It was small and lumpy, looking like it might burst at any second because I had stuffed my whole life into it.
I looked toward Elara's study for a moment. Part of me wanted to go in there and take the wedding invitation with me. But what was the point? It didn't even have a date on it yet. I told myself that maybe she would give it to me in person later. It was a small, sad hope—an excuse to see her face at least one or two more times.
I took the shoebox out of the shopping bag and set it on the living room coffee table. The store had done a beautiful job; they had tied a bright red silk ribbon on top, just like I asked. It looked perfect. I really hoped she would like them.
My plan was simple. I would give her the gift, say thank you for everything she had done for me, and then say goodbye to this house and to her. Simple and clean.
