t my life packed into a few suitcases. My funds were still

signer suit, purchased in a fit of generosity after a promotion. He'd insis

of a department manager at the plant. She work

lled

le Johns. I have a b

t bag. She had already heard the gossip from the barbecue,

plained my situation, her expr

e examined the suit, her professional eye taking in the fabri

I said. "I need the money f

h are yo

as fair, but probably

ll give you two hundred dollars more than that. Think of it

pocket and a lighter heart. It was more th

last few things, Matthew was there, blocki

emanded, his voice low and menacing. "You humi

al, genuine lau

ment. "Matthew, the only thing you need to worry abo

rm. "Gabrielle,

done. I'm staying at a friend's tonight. Don't contac

there, his mouth ope

all rural town where my aunt and uncle lived. They had raised me

d told them everything. The job, the aff

ched his fists, his jaw tight wi

into a hug. "That boy was never

em, my voice thick with emotion.

ey from selling the suit, but they r

ce firm. "You go out there and you make

ense of peace. The old ties were being severed, and the