A Shopping Trip

Autumn ran into her room, closing the door behind her. What did he take her for? Her mind raced with a torrent of emotions—anger, frustration, disbelief. She leaned against the door and closed her eyes for a moment. The confrontation with Pierce had been more intense than she had anticipated, and it left her feeling raw and exposed.

Moments later, a soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Autumn, are you alright?" Gabriel's gentle voice sounded through the door.

She hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yes, I'm fine. Just needed a moment. Is he gone?"

She heard him sigh through the door and tried to hear intently," Yes. I threw him out and warned him to not bother you."

Autumn nodded," Oh.. Thank you."