Chapter 81 Causing Her Pain

• Imogene Scott
• I rise from my work table, stretching my aching back. My muscles are stiff, protesting every movement after being hunched over for hours—finishing the last touches on my digital mural. The Tech Con is in two days, and it's all I’ve been focusing on. It’s my only distraction from the heavy, suffocating weight pressing down on my chest.
• The apartment is a mess. Clothes are strewn across the floor, empty takeout containers are stacked on the coffee table, and unopened mail is scattered across the kitchen counter. I haven’t left the house in days, haven’t spoken to anyone, haven’t even checked my phone.