Chapter 17 - Moving Out the Toxic Remnants of Claire's Reign
The moving truck sat idling in the driveway of the Maple Street house on a bright Saturday morning.
Daniel stood in the master bedroom, packing away every last designer dress, cosmetic box, and framed photo belonging to Claire.
He carried heavy black trash bags down to the curb, throwing away the physical reminders of a toxic chapter.
Sarah arrived an hour later with Sophie, helping her daughter pack her favorite toys back into moving boxes.
“Are we going back to your new house, Mommy?” Sophie asked happily, clutching her favorite teddy bear.
“Yes, sweetheart, we’re going home where there are no locked doors and no scary rules,” Sarah smiled warmly.
Daniel walked out onto the front porch, watching them load the car with a bittersweet pang in his chest.
“I’m putting this house on the market today, Sarah; I can’t stay here with these memories,” Daniel admitted quietly.
“That’s probably the healthiest decision you’ve made in years, Daniel,” Sarah said, closing the car door.
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They drove away together under the afternoon sun, leaving the empty house behind like a bad dream.
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