But it was mine.

I had signed the lease using my personal funds.

I parked the SUV in the underground garage and took the elevator up to the third floor.

My keys jangled in the quiet hallway.

I let myself in and turned on the lights.

The living room was mostly empty, save for a small fabric sofa and a coffee table I had bought at a thrift store.

I walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

It was nearly empty.

I needed to get food for the kids.

They would be hungry when they arrived tomorrow afternoon.

I grabbed my purse and walked down to the small grocery store on the corner.

The night air was crisp.

I walked along the sidewalk, watching the young couples walking their dogs.

Inside the store, the bright fluorescent lights made my eyes ache.

I pushed a cart down the aisles, picking up things I knew Dylan and Chloe loved.

A gallon of whole milk.

A box of the sugary cereal Richard never let them have because it “looked cheap.”

A package of chocolate chip cookies.