I had spent the entire day dealing with messages from parents who still believed Delaney’s accusations. Although the district had found no evidence of wrongdoing, rumors continued circulating.
I returned home exhausted.
Caleb was waiting on my porch.
He held up a paper bag.
“Dinner?”
I managed a weak smile.
“You know how to cook?”
“No. That’s why I bought it.”
We ate inside while the rain struck the windows.
For once, we didn’t discuss Delaney, the school, or the investigation.
We talked about ordinary things.
His sister’s upcoming wedding. My dream of opening a small art studio. The kind of house we would want someday if we ever had enough money to buy one.
At some point, Caleb asked what I wanted most from life.
I thought about it.
“Peace,” I said. “A home where I don’t have to prove myself every day. Someone who chooses me because they want to be there, not because they’re afraid of losing something.”
