A vicious wind whipped down the deserted streets and alleys, discouraging all but the most hardy of souls from venturing out. Delight slowly made her way down the treacherous, icy side street. The frigid wind stung her face, chilling the tears that clouded her vision as she struggled on, heading in the direction of Rose’s house. Although Delight didn’t want to go back there, knowing that her presence might cause trouble for Rose with Martin, she also knew that she had no real alternative. Necessity was forcing her decision, for she would freeze to death if she tried to stay on the streets. Delight thought of Jim and wondered if he’d discovered that she’d gone yet. A small, troubled sigh escaped her as she realized that all ties with him had been severed. There could be no going back. But knowing that she’d made the right decision in leaving didn’t ease the painful loneliness that engulfed her when she thought of him. And, while it hurt that he’d accused her of using him, she still loved him with all of her heart.
