ANESSA

He doesn't look at me anymore, not like the way used to. Alden’s gaze used to unravel me. It could reduce me to trembling hands and a racing heart. But now, it passed over me as if I was nothing more than a shadow.

And maybe I was.

I sat curled in his favorite armchair, barefoot, wearing one of his old shirts. My hair fell in waves down my back. I'd scented the air with lavender, her favorite scent. I hummed her lullabies. I mirrored her smiles. I'd practiced her walk to ...