Bound by shadows

t confines of the car. I barely registered his words, my mind a thousan

assed by in a blur, a stark contra

” the driver asked, glancing a

offering a polite smile before r

ou know. Beautiful parks, great restaurants. And the people- super frie

bsently, my tho

ople… I hope so,”

he late-night flight. The separation from Mark had been inevitable, but it still felt unreal to be st

rds became a soothing background noise and before I knew it, my e

a’am, we’

slumber. I woke up, blinking rapidly to clear the fog of sleep. The

dozed off”, I said, sitting up a

Long trip, huh? Let me h

from the flight and the drive. The driver had already brought out my suitca

h” I said, giving hi

n imaginary hat

as, ma’am. Good luc

afternoon, and the sun cast a warm, golden glow over my new neighborhood. I glanc

the lobby. Just as I was about to head up to my apartment, my phone rang. I searched

lia,

as the trip? Ar

o my apartment. Long

how are you holding

I’m fine. Just a bit nervous a

reat”, Julia sa

Kate. Remember, they’r

ncouragement managed to lift

gest media production here in Dallas but the pay is good. Also, i

to Julia, I said, “Thanks Jul

ergy as always. He misse

e to him”, I said, my heart warm

ait to see yo

w, go get settled in. Call me

l. Love yo

u too, Kate.

was mine. Too tired to unpack, I dragged my suitcases to the bedroom, and decided to leave the unpack

I felt the tension of the past weeks begi

, and with it came the

into bed, too tired that I fell into a d

f my new life, and I was ready