“Tess,” he whispered, finally surrendering the façade, “please do not go.”
She stood slowly. “I gave you chances, Gavin. More than I should have. Now I am giving myself the chance I never took.”
Patrick rose beside her and picked up her bag. Gavin watched helplessly as she walked to the door. She paused only once, looking back at him. Not in longing. Not in regret. In farewell.
Outside, the crisp morning air greeted her like a long awaited embrace. The sky stretched wide and bright over the quiet neighborhood. Patrick opened the passenger door for her. “You ready?”
“Yes,” she said. “I think I finally am.”
They drove away from the house that had held her fear. With every mile the tension in her chest loosened. She let her hand rest against the window, eyes following the road ahead.
Patrick glanced at her. “If you want to talk, I am here.”
“I will,” she replied gently. “Just not yet.”
He nodded. “Take your time.”
As they merged onto the highway, a thin smile touched Tessa’s lips. It was not joy yet. It was something quieter. Something steadier. The first small breath of freedom.
