Chapter 19: I Need Time

Abigail's POV

Yesterday was my first day since I met Elle with no contact from her.

I went to bed after my Elle-free night feeling drained after work. The kids at the library were their usual level of nutty: most in need of practice on their inside voices, fighting over the big dinosaur encyclopedia with the full-page spreads of pictures, and one time out. Pairing the stress of unruly children with the anxiety that jolted through me every time I had a phone notification tired my body and soul.

She never called or texted me.

The next morning, I awoke to two missed calls. I sprung up in bed, nearly dropping my phone. I checked the calls: 1 spam and 1 automated call reminding me to pick up Momma's medication at the pharmacy by the end of the week.

I threw my phone to my side, and it leaped off the springy mattress to the floor. I didn't care to pick it back up; nothing I valued was waiting for me on it.