While pushing her cart through the familiar, brightly lit aisles of the grocery store, Clara ran into Sarah, a mutual friend from their neighborhood. Sarah offered a warm wave, stepping out of the way of a passing display. “Oh, hey Clara! Where did you lose Tom? Is he hiding out in the parking lot?”
Clara smiled faintly, a bit confused, and shook her head. “What do you mean? I’m by myself.” Sarah laughed, throwing her hand up. “Shut up, no you’re not. My husband and I literally just saw you two driving past the intersection on our way over here. We were right behind your SUV.”
Clara’s smile faltered, her hand tightening slightly on the handle of her cart. “Sarah, Tom left for a church camping trip hours ago. He’s up in the mountains. I came here completely on my own.” Sarah’s smile faded, replaced by a sudden, awkward furrow of her brow. “Wait… seriously?”