Lauren had nearly driven out of the city limits, high on adrenaline, when the rest caught up to her.

The stop at the gas station had been awkward at best. The regular cashier was there, and recognized her at once. “Hey, Lauren. Where’s your…” he’d trailed off uncertainly, no doubt startled by the look on her face.

“I don’t know,” she’d muttered hurriedly. “We’re not together anymore.” As if on cue, she looked down and noticed the engagement ring sitting firmly on her finger. “Ah… well, nice seeing you.” She rushed outside to his car- her car- and sat perfectly still.

What had she been thinking? Her family, the few friends she still talked to, him... they would all be looking for her.

Or would they?

It was a little different to consider the fact that maybe, just maybe, nobody would miss her. Nobody would miss who she was… only who she had pretended to be for far too long.

She turned on the car and threw the ring out the window, free at last.