Page 319 of The Sinner: James

The man who broke my heart.

The walls still harbor the echo of our laughter, a muffled sound of slammed doors and rushed steps as Eve and I ran out of the house, eager to get outside, take our bikes, and ride them to town.

The memories fade as my evenings flash in front of my eyes, with Daria constantly harassing me, making me spend hours on the phone, sharing everything with Eve.

It’s all gone now.

Tears mist my eyes as I get a glimpse of a life that once belonged to me and now is no longer mine.

The girl who used to live between these quiet walls has long died, her ghost still haunting the house, her giggling still bouncing around the place.

I can see her vividly, her eyes sparkling with life, her long blonde hair entangled, and her skin always kissed by the sun. Her heart perfect, pure, and eager to love.

It all slipped away.

It’s gone now.

And her heart is gone too.

Taking a long breath, I lean against the wall.

“Are you okay, Miss?”

The woman walks in front of me, a folder tucked under her arm. Her smile dies out the moment she gets a glimpse of my face.

She grips my arm.

“Miss?”

I smile and straighten, hiding a stray tear.

“Yes. I’m okay,” I say.

“Would you like me to give you a tour of the house?”

“Maybe some other time,” I say.

She hands me a leaflet.

“Okay. The information is inside. The house has been completely renovated and furnished. It’s all top quality. You can see for yourself,” she says, smiling warmly. “It’s a great buy, one of the best properties we have on the market,” she adds enthusiastically. “All my contact information is in there too.”

“Thank you,” I say.

Smoothly, I pull away from her and walk out the door.

“How does it look?” James asks, his face darkening as he takes in my expression.

“It looks great,” I deadpan.

“And?”

“I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it,” I say, a storm of emotions making my voice catch.

12

RAIN

Later

---