Agnes hung her head low, murmuring, “Jared, you always do this, I’m going to crumble again.”
Jared took Agnes' hands in his and replied, “With me around, you don’t have to be strong.”
A tear threatened to escape Agnes' eye, she felt so utterly defeated. It wasn’t the misunderstanding that got to her, but the feeling of being protected. That feeling that the whole world could betray you, but there would always be one person standing behind you.
Agnes said, “Jared, thank you.”
Jared had started the car as he replied, “A kiss would be more substantial than words.”
Agnes laughed at Jared’s teasing, her mood inexplicably lightened.
As Jared’s car merged onto the freeway, Agnes finally asked, “Did you find Sharon?”
“Yeah, caught her at the cinema. She rented out the whole theater to watch 'Solitary Trails.' She said she’s never watched her own movies in a cinema before.”
When Jared said this, a pang of sadness hit Agnes. She imagined the scene in her mind and it felt like a punch to the gut. Solitude is an incurable disease for some people.
“Did she see the article?”
Jared frowned, “Seems like she did.”
“How is she holding up now?”
“I don’t know. The shrink is consulting her, and Leo’s there too. She said she wanted to see you.”
“So, we’re going to see her now?”
“She’s at Riverview Estate. I’ve explained to her that you didn’t write that news piece, but she still insists on meeting you.”
Agnes and Jared rode in silence.
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