Chapter 85. Apartment Guy

DYLAN

I did my packing in silence. Even my thoughts were silent. Gone were the days when my thoughts screamed, aiming to be heard and understood. Now, I listen to them with melancholy; one shirt at a time, one pants, one sock, and one undergarment went straight to the bag. Unlike the trip to Del Martin, this time, I’m using two backpacks. I see no reason to come back here.

Ashlene was the last one, but even she has drifted away from me. That conversation in the car was a clear and final indication of that.

As I zipped my second bag, I looked around and rechecked whatever I forgot to pack up. I had to be sure because when I walk out that door, I won’t be coming back. I won’t be stepping on the Ridleys’ front porch again.

I checked the drawers, the closets, the bathroom, and even under the bed. When I was finally sure that I left nothing, I got the bags and dragged them out of the room. When I was carrying them, some of the house cleaners saw me and asked if I