‘You have to belong to someone, can you possibly tell me who?’ she asked the animal, who simply blinked in response. ‘It would be so much easier if you could talk.’ The cat turned its attention back to its food, apparently deciding that its future feeding and housing situation was Hannah’s problem. ‘I think I might miss you though,’ she mumbled. ‘You’ve been a good friend to me this last while.’

She momentarily thought about calling back down to Julie to find out if anyone in the building had mentioned or reported a missing pet. But just as quickly decided against it, once again fearful of causing more problems or creating unnecessary headaches when all seemed so settled just now. Then another thought occurred to her.

It was risky, but at this point, what had she got to lose?

Grabbing a piece of paper and a pen, she sat back down at the counter.

OK, so he might go crazy again and refuse to have anything to do with the cat. But at the very least, she definitely owed her neighbour a goodbye.

P-1,

I’m sorry I haven’t written lately – I’ve had a lot going on and have been keeping to myself. Been dealing with some really challenging work stuff, which spilled over into the personal. Which sadly is why I’m writing today.

She was tired of reliving the sorry saga over and over in her head and worse watching it all unfold repeatedly in the media, but she had been so open with Ed up until this point, it felt wrong not to be honest about why she was leaving the building.

It’s time for me to leave this place. Now, before you throw a going-away party …

Jokes aside, I just wanted to say that I have so enjoyed our back-and-forth while here, it was nice to have a confidant and sounding board, and finally someone appreciative of my baking talent (or lack thereof). I’d like to think that we got to know each other a bit too. So I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.

I suppose you’re wondering why I have decided to go then.

The truth is … I have screwed up. Big. Huge. Enormously terrible. I originally moved here from Los Angeles because I needed to start anew. But somehow my problems followed me across the country.

I was running from a bad relationship – one I now realize I shouldn’t have been in in the first place. My idiot ex went so far as to show up at a big event here in the city and start a public fight in front of all of the cameras with a (now former) client of mine. All you have to do is turn on the TV if you want to see what I’m talking about. He’s a scary guy and he even showed up here uninvited one time …

I’m getting off track. Sorry.