It had taken her months of debating on what to do. She had already started to feel… old and exhausted. More so than ever before. The loss of Shadow was the final straw, her closest companion killed by a child who didn’t understand that dogs were not meant to be ridden. The extra weight had broken something in him and she had to put him out of his misery. The other little ones were from the stress of managing the entire complex and the irritation at having to play dumb at what was going on under her roof. She would never forgive Noel, even if Les never said a word. Erin wasn’t stupid, nor was she blind. She knew what those bruises were and the way Les had covered up more and more.
Once her mind was made up, she started to move out. A book here, a jacket there. The bedframe and dresser would remain at the complex, Dominic and her had no need for it at home. She sat at her desk, finishing up the paperwork that would make her eldest daughter the new owner. She already knew people wouldn’t be happy, but this was her baby dammit, and she would make sure it stayed in the family.
Once her signature was on the page, she sealed the envelope and stood, not even starting at the warmth of her husband at her back, just relaxing and leaning back against him, nodding when he told her everything they had left was packed. Taking his hand, she gave it a soft squeeze before pulling away. Picking up the envelope, she left her office to go to Ash’s room, slipping the paper under her door for when she came home. She was already aware of what was going on so she wouldn’t be too surprised.
Walking through the empty lobby, she took a long look around, memories of drunk game nights flickering through her mind, a soft smile pulling at her lips before looking out the main windows and into the dark outside. “You know… I miss seeing stars, I think this will help.” Slipping outside, she followed him to the truck, giving the outside of her building one last sad look, a hopeful gleam in her eyes before hopping into the passenger side, prepared for the long trip home.
