Chapter 45 The Goodbye That Hurts

• Rose had expected relief after handing in her resignation
• Instead, all she felt was a hollow ache spreading through her chest like a slow poison.
• She stood in front of Ella’s bedroom door, her fingers hovering just inches from the polished brass handle. The door was slightly ajar, the soft hum of Ella's voice carrying through the crack as she sang to her dolls. Rose closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the scent of lavender and baby powder that clung to the air.