She walked through the house. It was small, but in great condition. The last owner had built it, and it was obvious they’d looked after it.
As she headed into the bedroom, she saw a stuffed whale lying on the bed. Her heart leaped.
She hadn’t bought herself any toys since she’d left Wally at the Bartolli house of horrors. She didn’t deserve anything, not after leaving behind her best friend.
You couldn’t go back and get him.
No. But that didn’t make her feel any better. She felt terrible. Like she didn’t deserve a toy.
However as she walked over to the whale, she told herself that she wasn’t replacing Wally.
She picked up the note and brushed her fingers over the fluff. Ooh, he felt like soft velvet.
Angie,
I know that you miss Wally and I’m sorry you had to leave him behind.
I thought maybe this toy might help. Not to replace him, but just to keep you company.
I’m going to miss you and I thought this way a part of me was with you all the time.
I love you,
Keira
Wow.
That was so sweet and kind. Angie picked up the toy and held her tight.
“I’m going to name you Wallina,” she said. “And you can be my friend.”
She didn’t know how long she sat there, but the rumbling of her stomach had her getting off the bed and glancing out the window.
Shit.
She wasn’t doing well at taking care of herself already. At least no one was here to notice that she hadn’t eaten dinner. How was she going to get some food?
Her credit card and laptop had come from Zander but she wanted to use as little money as possible. He was covering all the bills for the house.
Maybe she should order some milk and bread and eggs? That was enough, right? Would they deliver?
“Whoa, stop,” she said.
This was ridiculous. She was tough. She’d been taking care of herself for years. Just because she’d been secluded away from the world for a couple of years didn’t mean that she suddenly didn’t know how to do all of this.
“All I’ve got to do is look up the closest grocery store and find out if I can walk to it.”
She didn’t know this town at all.
First she should check the cupboards, see what kind of stuff she had to work with.
Shock filled her as she saw that the pantry was filled with food. Canned vegetables, jars of sauces, packets of pasta and rice. And everything else she might need.
Then she rushed to the fridge and found it full as well.
There was a note sitting on top of a block of cheese.
Eat,
