I decided not to return to my own apartment that evening because I was far too agitated.

I called my dental clinic to request Friday off as well, prompting my boss to sigh loudly over the line before approving the leave.

Then I did something somewhat impulsive by walking straight over to Chad’s property around six in the evening as the sun was casting long orange shadows across the grass.

Chad’s glossy black SUV sat parked in the concrete driveway, gleaming in the evening light.

I walked up the manicured front path and rang the electronic doorbell, which played a polished chime through the door.