She walked slowly through the autumn woods, keeping her steps light but purposeful. She twisted a rubberband through her fingers, something she always did when she was thinking or nervous. Admiring the slow sunset, she sighed, trying to remember when she had last walked alone. She felt innerly elated, knowing that she now had the freedom to walk wherever she wanted. She didn’t have to consider looking at the time, knowing that no one was waiting for her when she got home.

When she got to the end of the trail, she sat down on a forgotten bench, crossed her arms onto her knees and cried, with no inhibitions, crying like she hadn’t in months. They were tears of sadness, of disappointment, of relief. Her shaking sobs didn’t disturb anyone, nor did anyone ask for an explanations as to why she was crying. She was completely alone. After she shed her last tear, she stood up, looked back one last time, smiled, and left.

She had been sad when he’d left, but she’d forgotten how much she enjoyed being alone.