After quickly washing up, I put a small schoolbag on Harry's back and prepared to go out.
Patrick suddenly said, "Honey, can we have a talk?"
"Sure. Let's meet at 10 a.m. at Oasis Café."
Patrick nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I will arrive on time."
After sending Harry to school, I drove to the bakery. The enticing aroma momentarily eased my worries.
Two shop assistants who were stocking the goods came over.
"Ms. Murphy, you haven't been here for a few days. We thought perhaps you were prioritizing your family over the bakery now."
I smiled wryly, stepped aside, and grabbed a donut.
I took a bite, and my mouth was full of bitterness.
As more customers arrived, the shop assistants grew increasingly busy. I pitched in to pack the food, but they complained that I was too slow.
It felt like I never seemed to fit in anywhere I went.
"Ms. Murphy, please go home and take a nap. You are really not needed here."
I shrugged, exited the bakery, and prepared to head to the café.
I arrived half an hour early and ordered a latte to wake myself up.
I tried to avoid thinking about anything else, but my mind kept replaying everything about Rachel.