Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 69

Agnes bolted out of the Century Building and headed back to school. She holed up in the library till late, since she was free in the afternoon.

Jared shot her a text: “When are you coming home?”

Agnes stared at her phone for a moment but didn’t respond.

Soon, Jared called, his voice deep and resonant from the other end: “Got class tonight?”

Agnes answered, “I’ve got a journalism project on my plate, so I’m a bit swamped.”

“When will you be done?”

“I’m not sure, you should hit the sack; don’t wait up for me.”

they last

realized she barely knew Jared. Their marriage was initially a

was too tired, she caught some

days on end, she would sneak home during the day to change and shower, then crash

didn’t know how to

noon, Agnes came home as usual, and finding the

in the library for days on end, Agnes felt groggy and scatterbrained. After showering, she realized she had forgotten to bring a change of clothes. This wasn’t the first time, but the

she stepped out

the bathroom. He

darted back into the bathroom, slamming the glass door

Then, silence.

it was

body as red as a boiled shrimp, her cheeks flushed like