When we arrived, Stan opened the door and his expression soured at the sight of Mark. I told him to leave. He exploded — shouting that I was ungrateful, insulting me, and finally demanding his ring back. I handed it to him without a word, along with every gift he’d ever given us. “Take it all. I don’t want any strings left to pull.”
It took hours for him to pack, stomping around and muttering insults the whole time. But when the door finally closed behind him, the silence felt like freedom. That night, Ember slept peacefully for the first time in weeks, Mr. Buttons in her arms.
