”Dear Carmen,
Thank you for reading this letter. I don’t know what I can possibly say to rectify the harm I have caused you. For once in my life I’m at a loss of words.
The truth of the matter is that being with you was the only time I have ever been happy. My whole life has been a joke. I prided myself on taking joy in other’s misery…”

Outside the building, Shane paces the street back and forth, her long, black coat waving behind her. From time to time, she glances up at Carmen’s window.
She feels sad, she feels lonely.
She feels like dying.

”…Enclosed is my most prized possession… my journal.
For a long time I considered it my trophy. A sordid collection of my conquests.
If you really want to know the truth, then please read it.
No more lies.

Shane lies against the wall, glancing up. A new set of tears runs down down her cheeks. She shoves her hands into her pockets, sighing.

A car is picking me up tomorrow and taking me to Martha’s Vineyard, where we have a summer home. Nothing would make me happier than if you joined me.
I’m a fucking wreck without you.
If you’re interested please meet me outside my building at nine. If not, I understand.
I love you.

Shane”

**

Tasha is sitting on the couch, listening as a grieving Jenny tells her story.
“…And when I confronted her about her affair with Nikki she told me it was none of my business…”, she says, drying her eyes with a napkin, “…Then when I said ‘Well, what about Tasha’, she said you were nothing more than a stupid… and that you deserved what you got…”.
Tasha narrows her eyes.
“And this happened before you and I hooked up?”.
Jenny stares at her own lap.
“It’s been going on for a while…”, she sighs, “…Then she called me a disgrace to our family and that’s when she hit me…”.
Tasha’s fists tighten.
“Piece of shit!”, she hisses.
Jenny glances at her, her hazel eyes wide open.
“I’d be careful if I were you… God knows what she’s up to…”.
“She doesn’t scare me. I’ll kick her ass in”.
Jenny grabs Tasha’s hands.
“Will you stay here for the night?”, she asks, her face full of hope, “You can leave in the morning. That’s when my parents get back and –“.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll stay”, Tasha states.
Jenny hugs her.