That’s hush money for a huge secret.”

Sarah picked up her car keys from the island.

She left the bakery box unopened on the counter and walked out the back door without saying goodbye.

The door clicked shut behind her.

At noon, I went outside with a metal leaf rake to clear the front lawn.

The sky was a flat, heavy gray that promised rain.

Wet fallen leaves stuck to the rubber soles of my shoes with every step.

The cold air smelled of damp earth and the exhaust of a passing delivery truck.