**Part 3**
A security vehicle pulled into the driveway.
Two uniformed officers approached.
Denise quietly spoke with them.
Melissa’s arrogance vanished.
She grabbed her suitcase.
“This is unbelievable.”
“No,” I said. “It’s overdue.”
Kyle began loading the luggage back into the SUV, muttering under his breath.
Mom lingered behind.
“Emily?”
“Yes?”
“Where are you?”
I looked through my hotel window at the ocean.
“With people who invited me.”
That wasn’t completely true.
I was alone.
And for the first time in years, being alone felt peaceful rather than lonely.
THE END
