Chapter 134: Madison

Boy, when they called it the Windy City, they were not exaggerating. I make sure my coat is zipped, my hat is on securely, my gloves are in place, and my scarf covers any exposed neck while I mentally prepare myself for the walk from my vehicle into the store. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.

It takes all my strength to push the car door open against the wintery gale. I glance at the pavement; there’s no ice, so I set one foot then the other down. I toss my purse strap over my shoulder, lower my head, and push toward the doors.

I could have stayed home—I should have stayed home. No one in their right mind runs to the grocery store for chocolate in weather like this. I tried to tell myself that Miss Alba could get it tomorrow during her bi-weekly grocery run, but my cravings grew greater as yesterday passed—I woke this morning jonesing so bad that I had to venture out.