I can’t breathe. It’s like she has stolen my very breath from me and refuses to let it go. We just stare at each other because really when it comes down to it what is there to say. Sorry is too trivial and if she says it I don’t know what to do.

She isn’t proud of this and she hopes you can forgive her.

I laugh out loud despite myself and she looks confused. I myself am more confused as to why she is standing here. What about New York? What about her job which was so important that she had to leave? Shit I can’t even think straight. I feel a hand on my back and I flinch.

Chase: Take the rest of the day off Shane.

Shane: No Chase I am ok.

Chase: I am not asking you Shane I am telling you. I can see you’re not fine and you’d be useless today anyway with your mind on this so go.

I just nod and walk out of the shop right past Carmen. I can hear her following me and I don’t turn around.

Carmen: Aren’t you going to talk me?

Shane: For what.

Carmen: Shane we have to talk about this. You can’t ignore me.

I stop dead in my tracks and look at her.

Shane: Oh I can’t.

Carmen sighs.

Carmen: Shane please hear me out.

Shane: Why should I?

Carmen: Because I never got to explain myself.

Shane: Oh your letter was sufficient enough.

I am at my truck now and I’m ready to drive off.

Carmen: Shane please wait.

Shane: What.

Carmen: I made a big mistake and if you would just listen to me then I know I could fix this.

Shane: What if I don’t want it to be fixed.

Carmen: Then at least just give me the chance to try.

I sigh a deep breath.

Shane: Fine.

She walks on the other side of the car and hopes in.

Shane: What are you doing?

Carmen: Jenny dropped me off I don’t have a car.

Fucking Jenny I will never understand how she manages to meddle in everybody’s life and at the same time believe she is doing good.

Shane: Great well where do you want to go talk?