A deep sigh escaped her lips. The sound bounced around the quiet dining room.
Behind her, she could sense Walter's presence. Quiet. Supportive. Not pushy.
"It's done," Hailey said quietly. More to herself than to him.
"How do you feel?" Walter asked gently from the living room.
Hailey paused. She checked in with herself. How did she feel?
"Honestly?" Hailey said, turning to face him. "I don't know yet."
"That's okay," Walter said. His voice was understanding. "You don't have to know right now."
Hailey walked back to the couch. Her legs felt shaky. Like they might give out any second.
She sank into the cushions. Exhaustion hit her like a truck.
"Did I do the right thing?" Hailey asked. Her voice sounded small. Uncertain.
Walter leaned forward. His expression was serious and kind at the same time.
"You did the only thing you could do," Walter said firmly. "You chose yourself. That's always the right thing."
"It doesn't feel right," Hailey admitted. Her voice broke slightly.
