She simply cleared away the cold breakfast she had made that morning, straightened the counter, and walked to the front door.
Ezoic
As it closed behind her, Jason sat up, startled by the sound. He jumped out of bed, rushing into the kitchen, but the house was empty.
On the table lay a folded note.
The Note That Ended Everything
Jason’s hands shook as he opened it.
Ezoic
“You said I was naïve.
Maybe you’re right.
But if I hadn’t forgotten to turn off the gas today, this house would have exploded —
and you wouldn’t have had the chance to betray me.
Thank you for reminding me it’s time to walk away.”
His face went pale. A memory flashed — the faint gas leak he had noticed near the stove valve the night before, one he’d promised himself he’d fix later.
If Emma hadn’t returned when she did, the entire house — and everyone inside it — could have been gone by morning.
He sank into the chair, the weight of what he’d done pressing down on him harder than the silence that filled the room.
A New Beginning
Months passed.
