He had no idea that my entire perspective had shifted during the time he was away. I had cried myself to sleep initially but eventually I started taking accounting classes and realized living alone was quite peaceful. I told him to wait outside for his proper welcome home and went inside to call my neighbor Linda. I reminded Linda of her promise to help me if Gary ever returned and she immediately agreed to come over. When I returned to the porch I informed Gary that I had already packed the rest of his belongings into two boxes waiting in the garage. He was shocked to realize I was making him leave and complained about being embarrassed in front of the neighbors. He tried to sweet talk his way inside while peering past me to notice I had painted the kitchen cabinets blue, a color he always hated, and installed new locks on the doors. He acted deeply offended that I would modify a house he abandoned. I left him standing outside to fetch him a glass of water while a sinking feeling started to settle over the strange afternoon.
