Chapter 9

"Hi Sarah, we meet again!" I greet her as soon as she steps into my dream.

"Hello detective." she replies with her bright smile adorning her face. "I guess you figured it out?"

"I would like to think so, yes. But I am still wondering... What would you like me to do, Sarah?" I ask, studying her, as her smile vanishes. No, it didn't vanish... It got replaced with a sad one. Her once blue bright eyes, are now dim, shining with unshed tears. Reminding me of the clouds, closing in on the sun.

"I gave up, detective. I couldn't handle it. It was just too much.", she cried, looking broken, feeling broken.

"I got the evidence, Sarah." I told her with a hand on her shoulder, "They will be punished for their treachery. But..." I take an uncertain look at her, "I don't know if it will be enough for you to move on."

"I don't understand."

"Their treachery may be the reason behind your death, but..." I hesitated, "you were the one who took your own life. They may have their career files tarnished, maybe let go from their current positions, given the evidence of their sabotaging and stealing your work, even working with the highest competitors. But they will not be accused of murder."

"I know", she sighed.

We stayed silent for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. Mine full of concern. Her's... I don't know full of what.

"You know... I knew he was cheating on me, for a while now... Seven months and thirteen days to be exact. I thought it was just a phase he will grow out of."

Where did that ever happen?! How could she be so naiive? Hearing this sentence from young people, over an over, is really frustrating. Whoever said it's your job to fix your partner? The most frustrating part is, there are many many MANY videos and influencers discussing "red flags in a partner", yet many many MANY young men and women fal in the fixer upper trap. Thinking they will have a different story.

"But then he didn't." she said, pulling me back to our conversation, while giving me a knowing look "I know what you are thinking, how can I think so, right? Guess that's what they mean when saying 'love is blind'." she got lost in thought again, "well, I, at least, loved him! Anyway, then he started sabotaging my work. Finally even stealing it. I tried to stay strong, fight back, may be even move on. But my boss wouldn't let me go, saying I will get my spark back, 'just you wait' he told me. Then I started giving up. Finally, I could not take it any more. I was too lonely. Guess it was a bit melodramatic to choose that spot. The lonely girl to haunt all thoughts." she said with a sad laugh.

Melodramatic? More of ironic.

"Why come to me, though?" I wondered out loud.

She looked afar, thinking, "Guess I wanted to share my experience with someone?" she answered questioningly. "If not in life, then may be in death! I don't know...."

I woke up, strangely refreshed. I know what to do. I have a new goal to achieve.

Maybe it's not just Sarah that needed someone to share with. Maybe she came to show me where I am headed.

With a closer look at Jack, me, I am a lone wolf. Yes, I got a family, we talk, what, twice per year? Christmas and New Year's! We meet every two or three years? Last time I saw my parents and siblings, was three years ago! How many friends do I have? Close friends.... Zero. Such a lonely life. Such a lonely death?!

They will pay for what they did, Christian and his red head mistress.

But also I will reconsider my relations. Cut the drag and strengthen thee ones that push me ahead. Tell people I love them before it's too late. Maybe find a partner in life, just like I got one at work? Make a family, perhaps with two, three kids?

And so, with a newly found purpose, huge ambition, and a bright smile, I step out of my house, out of my comfort zone, out of my safe isolation. Ready to join the world, merge with life. Starting my new life.