It was completely empty. My voice echoed in the kitchen all the way to the bathroom. But I felt free. I had to go back to my parents' house to gather my belongings. I had to get some clothes and at least a clock so I could stay at the new place. I had to create a life for myself, and it just wasn't going to happen if I stayed. It was eleven at night the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I didn't show up for Maggie's party or my parents' big dinner extravaganza. I knew they were worried about me, but I shot off a quick text to Lindsay telling her I was fine. Following that was an onslaught of angry texts and death threats if I didn't get home right away, so I shut my phone down and used email to finish my lease and get into the new house. I crept in through the kitchen door. I felt like I did this every time I entered the cold house. Luckily, my bedroom was the one closest to the stairs, so I didn't have to walk far, and I knew I wouldn't wake anyone. When I entered the room, there was a lump in my bed. I tentatively walked over and peeled back just the top of the covers and saw Liam in my bed, fast asleep.
