I dragged my suitcase down the street, heading for the nearest hotel. The pain in my body from the procedure still lingered, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. When I reached the hotel counter, I handed over my card, only to have it handed back to me with a frown from the clerk.
"I’m sorry, ma’am, but it seems your card has been frozen."
Frozen. Of course. Mark’s way of trying to force me to come crawling back. I bit down on my lip to hold back the tears of frustration. I pulled out whatever cash I had left in my purse, but it wasn’t enough for even one night. I sighed and stepped back out into the night air, my mind racing with what to do next.
"Miss, excuse me," a voice called out, making me pause. I turned to see a young man with a camera slung over his shoulder. He looked nervous but earnest as he approached. "I... I know this is out of the blue, but would you mind participating in a quick street photography shoot? We’re doing a project and I can pay you for your time."
My initial reaction was to say no, but the truth was, I needed the money. I gave him a weak smile and nodded. "Sure."