Chapter 9

Estelle had been abroad for three months. During this time, she kept the curtains tightly drawn and spent entire days staring blankly into space. She knew her low spirits were caused by Ruben. Even though she had erased him from her life, his presence had been too deeply ingrained. He had become a habit she couldn't easily break. Cassie had invited her out for dinner. When she tasted something she liked, she instinctively turned to the empty seat beside her and said, "Honey, this is really good. Can you make it for me when we get home?" The moment the words left her mouth, both she and Cassie froze in shock. At night, she would reach out for the warmth beside her, only to grasp nothing but air, and then insomnia would take hold. Mornings felt strange, too, as Ruben had always handled her clothes, each piece carrying the scent of the cologne he had carefully chosen. Now, the garments sent back from the dry cleaners smelled like nothing at all. For years, Ruben had woven himself i