Chapter 32 - Delighting in Ralph’s Pain

Shirley

Once I officially see Keith disappear, I look down at the key in my hand - the metal feeling strangely heavy within my fingers. I then turn to glance at the door, unable to help the slow breath that leaves me as I walk to it. Now that I’m able to let down my guard, I feel a little exhausted and just want to get inside.

Doing just that, I put the key in the lock and let myself inside before I shut the door behind me. I’m unable to manage more than a few steps before I stop again, my mouth falling open as I study the room around me. Even despite it being only the entryway, the home is breathtaking. From the specific decorations to the delicious smell of vanilla that reaches my nose, I’m immediately obsessed with it.

Abandoning my suitcase by the door, I begin to walk through the house, going from room to room. There’s a modest dining room just right of the entry and a cozy living room to the left. As I walk into the second space, I already know I’ll be spending a lot of