I stepped outside, holding back the tears. People aligned, as if they had been summoned to escort me out, even though nothing had been confirmed yet. I heard their whispers, felt their eyes.

Morgan met me somewhere along the hallway, the look of pity so evident in his eyes. He took my stuffed duffel bag without asking anything. I did not object. I did not say anything. I think this was the moment I needed all the energy I could get.

He helped me carry the last of my things to my car in silence. ...