Page 273 of Mountain Grump

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On the outside.

And I listen to her cry.

I listen to what I’ve done.

And when the weight inside my chest makes it too hard to stand, I sit.

I sit on Tilda’s step. And I close my eyes. And I force myself to listen as everything between us breaks.

Chapter 153

Tilda

When I can’t takeit anymore, I get to my feet.

And I walk through the dark house.

I don’t look out the windows.

I don’t look for Ethan.

I go to my room.

And I crawl into bed.

Knowing this will be the last time I wear this dress.

Knowing that when I take it off, it’s really over.

That when I take off the dress I married Ethan in, I’ll never put it on again.

I curl up on top of my blankets.

My lashes are still wet when I close my eyes.

My mind still stuck on a loop of sadness and betrayal.

But eventually, exhaustion reaches out from the shadows and pulls me into unconsciousness.

And I sleep with Ethan near me.

One last time.

Chapter 154

Ethan

Something soft brushesagainst my hand, and I open my eyes.

My heart lurches, thinking it’s Tilda.

That she’s waking me up to let me in.

But it’s not her.

It’s her duck.

And I can’t sleep on Tilda’s front step.

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