6. Five Stages

Three days later, Dad hugs me while his ride waits in the driveway. “I’m so sorry, Pumpkin.”

“Dad, stop apologizing,” I say with a laugh. “I totally understand. I’m not going to perish from solitude. I probably still have a few friends in the area, and I’ll see if anyone’s around.”

“You will?” he asks. “Truly?”

I hadn’t truly had any intention of doing such a thing, but now I’ll agree to it so he doesn’t feel bad. “Yes, I will.”

“Okay. Stay safe. Remember Lincoln will be here soon, probably later tonight.”

“Got it. I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Evelyn.”

He gets in the car and I wave goodbye, trying to keep a smile on my face. Do I want him to stay home and baby me for the next few weeks while I find a job and rent a place of my own? Absolutely. But I can’t explode his life just because Chloe and Troy exploded mine.

Once his car has disappeared down the driveway, I take a deep breath, go back inside, and put on my bathing suit. I can alternate swimming, relaxing, and searching online for French instructor job postings.

Now that I’m single, I won’t be limited to any specific location. I can go to a whole different country if I want. This should be fun, right? A new adventure.

Armed with a hard lemonade, my phone, a wireless speaker for music, and a bowl of cherries Dad picked from the two trees in the front yard, I head out back.

My life might be in shambles, but that’s no reason to waste a perfectly beautiful summer day.

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