Tara felt a frustration boil at John’s words. How dare he try and make me feel guilty, she thought. This had been something they spoke about numerous times—that for certain cases she would have to pick up and leave—and he gave her his full support. But now it seemed as if those conversations never existed.

“John…you know this is a big opportunity for me, right? We’ve talked about this. We…”

“I know,” he sighed, the tension easing slightly in his voice. He took a deep breath, as he began to grasp how unfair he was being. “It was just a bit shocking to get a text that you were suddenly flying to another state.” He laughed slightly at his words and Tara felt the tension ease between them. “I’ll get used to it,” he added.

Tara smiled as the conversation continued and she asked him about his parents’ visit. After all, it was their first time seeing the place after they helped them moved in.

“My mom said it looked great,” he said. “She loved how you decorated.”

Tara smiled. It was something she took much pride in—decorating her home. In some way, it made it feel more hers, more permanent.

“By the way, how was your day?” he asked.

Tara’s thoughts suddenly returned to the events of the day and her smile vanished. She didn’t want to talk about it.

There was a tinge of excited anticipation in John’s voice and she wanted to keep him there, away from the concern he would feel. The last thing she needed was for him to worry about her.

“It was good…a bit stressful…but nothing I can’t handle,” she replied.

He laughed at her vagueness. “And? Tell me more.”

A sudden heat rose to Tara’s chest. “I’m not really supposed to talk about it,” she started. “Plus it’s just been such a long day. I really don’t want to get into it right now.”

He was silent for a moment—he knew her too well—but then he responded. “You haven’t been having nightmares again, have you?”

“John, stop,” Tara snapped. It was a knee-jerk reaction, and she instantly regretted it, knowing it would only fuel his worry. “I’m fine, really, I’m just tired,” she added.

Again, he paused, considering if he should push further, but then decided against it.

“I should probably let you get to bed, then,” he finally said.

Moments later, after saying their goodbyes, Tara placed the phone down and a wave of loneliness washed through her. She was all alone now, and only she herself truly knew what she went through earlier. She raised the volume on the TV—an attempt to subside the feeling with noise. It helped slightly and she watched for a little while until her stomach growled, reminding her that she’d barely eaten anything all day.

She grabbed her phone and ordered room service. By the time it arrived, she could barely keep her eyes open. The exhaustion finally hit her. She scarfed down her food, got ready for bed, and then lay back down.