Chapter 10 - The Exit
Elara stepped back, breaking the suffocating tension.
She turned away from the table, looking down at Lily, and held out her free, trembling hand.
"Get your shoes, baby."
Lily dropped the torn bear onto the floor without a word and ran to the front door.
She began pulling on her muddy, velcro sneakers with frantic little hands.
Elara didn't walk to the bedroom to pack a bag.
She didn't even grab her phone or her keys from the kitchen counter.
She walked straight toward the front door, keeping Leo pressed tightly against the red swelling on her chest.
"Where are you going?" Martha’s voice wavered, finally cracking to reveal a sliver of genuine fear.
"You can't just leave! What about the rent? Where will you sleep?"
Elara paused, her hand wrapping around the cold brass doorknob.
She looked back over her shoulder one last time.
Her eyes were entirely devoid of warmth, looking at a stranger.
"Eat the paper, Martha."
She twisted the knob fiercely and pushed the heavy door open.
The wood slammed shut behind them with a deafening crack.
It left the older woman sitting in total silence, alone with the money and the persistent hum of the empty freezer.
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How do you envision Elara surviving the first night on the street with an infant who cannot eat?
