Chapter 112

"Could you... could you spare one day for me?"

Theodore didn't ask why. He simply nodded. "Alright. After I get back from my trip."

Hearing him agree, Penelope's eyes lit up. "I'll be waiting for you!"

She closed the door and watched the car drive away, a sense of relief washing over her. She turned and walked toward her house.

Just as she was about to enter the code for the gate, Mrs. Sullivan and Rebecca rushed over from across the street.

"Where have you been the last few days? Why haven't you been home?" Mrs. Sullivan demanded loudly.

Penelope scoffed. Her whereabouts were none of their business.

She ignored them and started to open the gate, but Rebecca blocked her way.

"Penelope, it's terrible! Something's happened to Zebulon!"

Penelope had to laugh. "What's he done now?"

"He's... he's trying to kill himself!"

The words sent a jolt of anger through Penelope.

Getting drunk, standing in the rain, and now a suicide attempt? He was really milking this for all it was worth.

"Is that so? Well, if he dies, I'll be sure to send flowers to the funeral."

"You... you... Oh, dear Lord! If anything happens to my son... I won't be able to live either! I'll... I'll just throw myself against her gate until I'm dead!"

"Penelope, we're not lying! Zebulon is really at his breaking point!" Rebecca pleaded. "He was in the hospital waiting for you to visit, but you never came. None of us could reach you! He was supposed to be discharged yesterday, but he just disappeared. We finally got ahold of him, and he said that without you, his life has no meaning. He said he was going to a place full of your memories to end it all!"

Penelope frowned. She didn't believe a word of it, but the way Mrs. Sullivan was wailing and sobbing made it seem horribly real.

...

An hour later, Penelope stood in front of the apartment they had rented three years ago.

The door was ajar. She pushed it open and saw Zebulon lying on the dilapidated sofa. His hair was a mess, his white shirt and slacks were wrinkled, and his face was pale and gaunt. He was staring blankly a the ceiling a chillingly empty look in his eyes.

"Zebulon?" she called out.

There was no response.

Penelope swallowed hard and took a few steps inside. "Zebulon, are you okay?"

"What's wrong?"

"Are you..."

Suddenly, as if just hearing her voice, Zebulon's head snapped toward her. He stared for a few

level

at

moments, his eyes welling up with tears. .

"Penelope, is that you?"

Penelope pursed her lips. "It's me."

"Are you... are you really leaving me?" he choked out, tears streaming down his

face.

"If you're not dying, get up and go home. Your mother is threatening to throw herself at my front gate."

With that, Penelope turned to leave.

"Will you only forgive me if I'm dead?"

"Do you find this amusing, Zebulon?" Penelope yelled, her patience finally snapping.

Zebulon pushed himself up from the sofa and began backing away.

didn't cheat on you. I never betenee

you I've only evertoved you, but you refuse to believe met

"How else can I prove my innocence? What will it take for you to not divorce me?"

Penelope almost laughed. He was still lying, even now.

Zebulon had backed up to the window. He yanked it open and swung one leg over the sill.

"I'll prove how much I love you with my life!"

...