It's been two weeks since Rick moved out. The divorce has been filed and will be finalized within another week. It makes it real then.

Just like he said, Rick came the next day and packed all his belongings. Half of the apartment is empty, just like how it used to be before I met him. But this time, there is a void left behind.

I am dreading that I have to see him next week. I don't know if I could manage not to break down if I see him again.

I go to work, come back home, cry myself to sleep and wake up next day and repeat. This has become my daily routine. I buried myself in work. My parents told me to take a vacation and forget him. But how can I? I have been with him for six years of my life. It's not a short time.

The next morning I go to work as usual. My black hair was wrapped in a bun, my white blouse tucked into the black skirt and black heels. That's my work attire almost every day.

That day something was different. The air was gloomy. All the workers are whispering among themselves about something. I don't work at a very large company or anything.

It's a local magazine run by the local people. There are total of twelve of us here. That includes my boss, Audrey who is a sweet woman in her fifties. She was the brains behind this magazine. It started as a small shelter to help teenagers or college students to gain a little experience in the field, but as it developed Audrey made it into a full magazine.

We have a group of Graphic designers, journalists, editors, writers and photographers.

I was the chief editor here and I am very proud to have this job. I got here when I was sixteen. I started as a proof reader. I had to read the edited files to see if there are any mistakes that have been forgotten.

That's where I started. Now I am very proud to say that I have earned my position in the paper.

Audrey soon called me into her cabin to tell me the news that cleared the confusion.

"We are closing down the paper, Lilly" she told me with a sad look on her face. My heart almost leapt out of my chest. They are closing down the magazine? Where will I work now?

It's not like I had to work if I wanted to live. I have more than enough in my bank to let me survive without a job for the rest of my life.

I was the legal heir of Adler inc. That is currently run by my father. But the money isn't mine. That's the money my parents gave me, it wasn't as good as the money I earned.

Dad tried to get me into the business, but I wasn't into it and he understood. I love how supportive and understanding my parents are.

"What am I going to do now? Why are we closing down the paper, Audrey?"

"We all know how we are struggling for the funds, Lilly. I can't do this anymore. I need a break. And you guys need to spread your wings. Go out search for opportunities. "

"But this place is special to me" I tried to control the tears, but since Rick left they are hard to go. I got emotional too easily.

"I know the divorce is hard on you, Richard was a good guy. I don't know what got into him. You are just scared to let go, Lilly. Trust me this is going to be good for you" she smiled at me, as if saying there is some sort of secret only she knows. "Especially working as the editing assistant at Matthew's publications; now I know it's a lower position of what you are, but I think it's a great opportunity for you. Maybe you can finally show your writing to the world?" She said the last part hopefully.

I used to write books back in college and high school. It served as a great distraction for my lonely life. My parents were never home. Most of my friends are friends with me because I was an Adler. I enjoyed writing. It was my escape.

"Not that part. I haven't written in years" I told her.

"Yes, Richard took that from you; now you are free again, why not take it up?"

"I'll think about it" I told her not wanting to get into that conversation. There are better things to discuss. "What about being editor assistant at Matthews' publications?"

"I talked to Mr. Matthews. He agreed to hire you without an interview. You can start whenever you want. You'll have to discuss it with him for further details."

"That means, I'll be moving to the city?" I asked her. I knew I should be moving if I take up the job. Of course I'll be taking up the job. Matthews' publication isn't a joke. It'd be a dream come true to work there.

"Yes, and we both know you need to move Lilly. Before you kill yourself staying here" She told me giving me a envelope that had the Matthews' publications name and logo printed on it.

"It's your joining order. There are details of Archer Matthews in there. You can contact him if you wish to" I knew that was a goodbye.

I nodded at her before leaving the office back to my cabin. On the way I saw bumped into a few of my co-workers, who shared the same feelings as be about the paper being closed.

I wonder if Audrey gave these people jobs too.

That evening when I reached home, I was exhausted. I had to stay back and deal with a few things. We decided to publish this month's magazine as a goodbye. And it was due this week; which was due in four days.

I decided to take a bath and while the tub was filling, I checked my messages.

There were a few from my sister saying she needed to talk to me, and then there was one from Rick.

My heart almost stopped when I heard Rick's voice again.

~*~

09.05.20