"You liar! You monster! It's all your fault! All your fault!"

I barely felt the blows. Sara, sitting just behind her, didn't move to stop her. She didn't say a word. She simply watched me with cool indifference—no warmth, no sympathy. There was even a trace of revulsion in her eyes.

I stepped aside, letting Elise's tiny fists swing at empty air and made my way to the door.

Sara's voice rang out behind me. Sharp. Final.

"If you step out that door today, don't ever come back to this house again."

I didn't stop. I didn't turn. I walked out, shoulders steady, heart silent.

This was goodbye.