Chapter 12: The Return

As she proceeded down the habitual streets to Nathan's apartment, the morning sun reflected through the windshield, temporarily blinding Olivia. This unwelcome companion on the final journey sat perched on the passenger seat, its sealed box unopened. Now and again, Olivia would cast an expectant look toward it, as if the contents were suddenly going to come alive and spill forth all the memories she was trying so hard to contain. Her hands clenched the wheel so hard that her knuckles were white. What had been a drive full of anticipation and excitement now felt like a march to the gallows. Each traffic light was a countdown, and each turn brought her closer to the end she never wanted. Olivia felt nausea take over as she turned her car into the parking lot of Nathan's building. She could not determine exactly whether this was coming from her sickness or an emotional imbalance. She sat for a moment, purring her engine, gaining power to deal with what lay ahead of her. "You can do thi