03

3

My stomach felt awful, I couldn't eat, and I'd vomited blood several times.

Isn't this the kind of illness that only affects powerful CEOs in stories?

Why has it found me?

I sat zoned out on the living room couch, waiting for what felt like forever, but Nathan still hadn't come home.

The clock struck 1 AM.

Nathan carefully opened the door.

Seeing me sitting on the living room couch startled her. The orange purse in her hand fell, spilling makeup all over the floor.

"You scared me to death! Why didn't you turn on the lights?" Nathan snapped impatiently, her tone full of blame.

"You're back?" I got up to help her pick up the purse, but she snatched it away.

I laughed awkwardly, "Have you eaten? Want me to make you some pasta?"

"I already ate. I had some drinks today, so I'll sleep in the guest room."

I'd never seen that purse before. Orange wasn't her favorite color, and it wasn't any of the ones I'd given her.

I remembered Caelan's social media post.