CHAPTER 37: 40 DEGREES

I arrived home drenched, hoping Kent wouldn't be there. Despite the chaotic day, we were advised to spend the night with loved ones. Right now, I needed all the support I could get, and that meant returning home.

Upon entering my apartment, I shed my raincoat and dropped my bag to the floor, feeling utterly drained.

"Julianna?" Kent paused his work at the dishwasher upon hearing me. Our eyes locked, my lower lip quivered, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Concern laced his voice as he asked, "What happened to your clothes? It's only 40 degrees outside. Did you walk home like that?"

Another wave of emotion threatened to engulf me, and I struggled to hold back sobs. Defeated, I removed my shoes, but now my toes felt numb, and I couldn't think clearly, haunted by disturbing images in my mind.

Kent approached me from behind, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"What went wrong, honey?" He inquired softly, tears welling up in his own eyes. I responded by wrapping my arms around him, an