Noah Bates stood there, staring blankly as Violet Don followed Grayson Sutton away.
Oh, she left.
Noah's entire chest felt hollow, his heart as if gouged out by someone.
He returned home, dispirited, just as Autumn Evans came downstairs. Seeing her son in such a state, she was shocked, "Where's Wayne? He was just here..."
"Violet took him."
Noah's voice was low and hoarse, "Just now."
Autumn held a delicate gold necklace in her hand, adorned with a little golden angel pendant that she clearly intended to give to Wayne to put on. Hearing that Wayne had left, she could only put the necklace away, whispering softly, "Oh, well... next time. Next time."
When would next time be? Or, would it ever come at all?
******
Violet Don entered her home, completely exhausted.