I took out the forged bank letter Gregory had given me at the diner and laid it right on top of the eviction notice.

I was leaving both of his lies behind.

I pulled two small canvas duffel bags from the top shelf of my bedroom closet.

I packed only the things that truly mattered to me.

I folded my winter sweaters, my sturdy work boots, and my grandmother’s embroidered cloth napkin.

I wrapped her porcelain angel in a thick bath towel and laid it gently in the middle of the first bag.

I left the cheap plastic dishes in the cupboards and the faded throw pillows on the couch.