CHAPTER TWENTY SIX – SOME SENSE OF NORMALCY

Mr. Thompson approached her, his face a mask of concern and frustration. "Cassie, I think you should take the rest of the day off. We'll... discuss this tomorrow." Numbly, Cassie nodded. She untied her apron with shaking hands, avoiding eye contact with anyone as she made her way to the back room. As she gathered her things, the full weight of what had just happened crashed over her. Alex, arrested. Their relationship, irreparably shattered. Her job, potentially in jeopardy. She leaned against her locker, tears streaming down her face. How had everything fallen apart so spectacularly? Part of her wanted to run after Alex, to make sure he was okay. But another part, a stronger part, knew that this was the consequence of his actions - actions she could no longer excuse or enable. As she left through the back door, Cassie felt a strange mix of emotions. Guilt, for being the catalyst of Alex's breakdown. Anger, at his selfish and destructive behavior. Relief, that she had finally brok