Chapter 6
For the next two months, the sounds of tape ripping and boxes sliding across the floor came through my ceiling.
Whenever Chloe and I crossed paths outside, she refused to acknowledge me.
She remained furious, but her control over the situation was gone.
Logan, however, kept his promise.
His first utility payment arrived in my account on the first day of the month.
He was finally taking responsibility.
Meanwhile, I advertised the upstairs apartment for rent.
Because the duplex was in a desirable neighborhood, applications arrived quickly.
I screened them carefully before choosing Clara, a retired schoolteacher who valued peace and quiet as much as I did.
She signed a lease beginning the following month.
For the first time in years, both the financial and emotional future of my home felt secure.
On moving day, a U-Haul backed into the driveway.
Chloe’s family came to help.
Her sister Rachel and her mother Brenda glared at me while I sat on the porch.
I ignored them.
Logan carried most of the heavy furniture downstairs himself.
He looked exhausted but determined.
Chloe mostly stood nearby giving instructions.
By late afternoon, the truck was loaded.
Logan entered the hallway one final time and placed his keys on the foyer table.
“Here they are, Mom,” he said quietly. “The apartment is clean. We found a small two-bedroom place on the edge of town.”
I picked up the keys.
“Thank you, Logan. I hope you use this as an opportunity for a fresh start.”
He nodded silently.
Then he climbed into the truck and drove away.
I walked upstairs.
The rooms were empty.
May you like
And completely peaceful.
A new chapter had started.
