For years, Gale had danced on the edge of danger. Every birthday, my wish had been for him to leave this life behind.
Now that it was finally happening, I felt… nothing. No joy. No relief.
I glanced at the ring but didn’t put it on. Instead, I gave him a small smile. “Good.”
I’d see him through this last job.
Then, I’d close the book on us—for good.
The lively atmosphere of the party was filled with Gale's deep voice serenading me with a love song. His gaze never wavered, locking onto mine like I was the only person in the room.
As the song ended, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the moment.
Gale, being the closest, stood up to answer.
So when he asked for permission, I let him go without giving it too much thought. As a good friend, his team members helped, trying to cover for him. They turned up the music and whispered to each other.
“Captain really likes her, doesn’t he? From the way things are going, it seems like they’re going to go all night.”
“Flossie is wild. I’m kind of worried if the captain can keep up with her.”
I had no interest in indulging in their chatter and wasting time there. After grabbing my wallet, I quietly left the room.
As I passed by the bathroom, I overheard people teasing each other.
“Did you bring that ring made from your pinky bone?”
“If you want, I can put it in.”
Gale’s voice followed, low and gravelly. “You little slut.”
The next words were unfit to hear, making my stomach churn.
What followed made my stomach churn, the noises too explicit to endure.
I stepped outside into the cold night air.
The sharp breeze cleared my head a little as I pressed my hand against my aching chest.
I wandered aimlessly for a while, finally stopping by the river.
The clock on my phone read 12:00 AM.
“Happy birthday, Alex,” I whispered to myself.
I faced the moon, clasped my hands together and silently prayed. My birthday wish this year was to leave this world soon.
[Countdown: 3 days]
At exactly midnight, Gale returned. He left the limp Flossie behind to watch me blow out the candles. But when he came back and didn’t find me, he panicked, searching everywhere.
“Baby,” a hoarse voice called from behind me.
I turned around to find Gale standing there, sweat glistening on his neck, his red-rimmed eyes filled with panic.