I ended the video call, and a new message popped up in the Gilbert family group chat.
Vanessa Gilbert had posted nine photos, captioned: "Finally got to meet the Mr. Pruitt that Grace is always talking about. So refined and gracious. No wonder everyone adores him."
The pictures were from a private brunch at the Gilbert house. Henry sat right beside Vanessa, and Grace had her head bowed, placing shrimp dumplings on his plate.
Vanessa messaged me privately soon after: "Elmer, Henry's come a long way to visit, so of course we're treating him well. Don't take it the wrong way. A Gilbert son-in-law should carry himself with more grace than that."
I replied, "Mrs. Gilbert, Grace and I have broken up. The wedding's off."
Vanessa called immediately, her tone turning sharp. "What is wrong with you? Grace is willing to settle down and marry you. That alone is more than enough respect for someone like you."
I set the phone on the table and went on taping up the cardboard box.
She was straining to keep her temper in check. "Henry was the one who got away when Grace was young. It's perfectly normal for her to have a soft spot for the past. Hold on too tight and you'll only push her away."
I said, "Then let her be pushed away."
The line went quiet for a moment, then Vanessa gave a cold laugh. "Don't come crying later. Your family has taken plenty from us. If this really blows up, it won't be the Gilberts who end up looking bad."
I hung up and swept the plush toy, the couple's mugs, and the photo album Grace had given me into a trash bag.
At the very bottom of the closet was a gray sweater, half finished.
I'd been knitting it for Grace. Her stomach was weak, and her hands always went cold in winter.
I pulled the yarn loose, and it uncoiled in loops around my feet, like all the lines I'd let her cross, over and over, for three years.
The recycler came fast. The older guy hefted the bag and asked, "You don't want any of this, kid?"
I nodded. "No. Just get rid of all of it."
The apartment emptied out little by little, until only the ring of keys by the entryway was left hanging.
Then came two knocks at the door.
It was pushed open from outside a moment later. Grace stood in the doorway, wheeling two silver suitcases.
She swept a glance around the living room and frowned at me. "Why is the place so empty?"
Henry poked his head out from behind her, still cradling that cat, his voice edged with unease. "Elmer, is this a bad time for me to be here?"
Grace pushed the suitcases inside like it was the most natural thing in the world. "The pipes burst at his rental. I figured a hotel would be a hassle, so he'll stay with us for a few days."
I asked, "Which room?"
Grace pushed a case toward the master bedroom. "Henry has trouble sleeping in strange beds, so he'll take the master. You go clear out the guest room."
Henry quickly caught her sleeve. "Grace, don't do that. Elmer won't like it. I'm fine on the couch, really."
Grace bent her head to soothe him. "You're not well. Don't put yourself through that."
Then she lifted her eyes to me, her voice cool. "You're going to be the man of the house here anyway. Can't you show a little generosity?"
"This isn't my apartment."
Grace's brow relaxed. "Good, at least you know that. I paid for the wedding home. Setting up a few pieces of furniture doesn't give you room to put on airs."
I reached over and took the keys down from the entryway. The metal was cold against my palm.
Henry said in a low voice, "Elmer, don't misunderstand. Grace just worries something will happen to me. You're still the one she cares about most."
I looked at him. "That movie ticket you sent last night—was it a good show?"
Something flickered in Henry's eyes. Grace stepped in front of him. "Are you going to stop this or not? What does Henry owe you?"
I said, "He doesn't owe me anything. You do."
Grace stared at me, one corner of her mouth pulling into a thin smile. "Here we go again. Elmer, every time you're upset you threaten me with a breakup. Is that fun for you?"
I pulled out the black suitcase I'd already packed. The wheels rolled across the floor with a faint sound.
The smile faded from Grace's face. "Where are you going?"
