Shadows of Us

Word on the street in the city of Hereshire was that Roy Chester had a penchant for eighteen-year-old girls. Yet, Willow Croyton was twenty-one when they started dating, and she stuck by him for nearly three years.

She was a well-known simp to Roy, her only merit being her docility and good behavior. Later, when Willow left, Roy was spotted multiple times near her apartment block, his eyes teary.

Word on the street in Hereshire was that the young heir of the Chesters had a thing for eighteen-year-olds. However, Willow Croyton was twenty-one when she got with Roy Chester, and they were together for nearly three years.

One evening, Willow received a call from Roy. He told her he would be back in Hereshire that night and was craving short ribs. Willow spent the next two hours cooking up a storm, but Roy was nowhere to be found.

Around eight that night, she called to check on him. The line was noisy, filled with chatter and card shuffling of a poker game.

“I’m at the Red Lounge. I’ll send the driver to pick you up.”

“I thought you were coming back for dinner,” Willow replied.

“Haven’t you had dinner? What do you fancy? Come over, and I’ll get the kitchen to make something for you,” Roy said without a care.

Willow fell silent for a moment.

Right before she took up on his offer, a boisterous voice interrupted the call. “Royal flush!”

Amid the crackling sounds, someone poked fun at Roy. “What does Willow have on you? I can’t believe you haven’t dumped her yet. You’re not actually into her, are you?”

Roy scoffed. “Get your head out of the clouds before you talk to me, will you?”

“You guys just don’t get it. Even a pet will grow on you, and Willow is the ultimate pleaser. Roy can’t just turn his back on a faithful doormat.”

“Oh, quit it!” Roy remarked with a smile.

There was a bunch of noise, then it went quiet. Roy must have realized the call was still connected, so he hung up.

The poker game was still going on when Willow arrived at the club. The guys at the poker table were the ones she had heard on the phone. No one seemed the least bit concerned, though. They were sure Willow would not and could not make a fuss regardless of what she had heard.

Willow was gorgeous, but pretty girls were a dime a dozen. Born into power and privilege, Roy could have any woman he wanted. Willow was just the most sensible and docile one of them all to stick with Roy all these years. Sure enough, Willow simply kept her head down while taking a seat next to Roy.

Roy was tipsy when leaving the club at midnight, his weight pinning Willow down. By the time Willow managed to shove Roy into the car, she had worked up quite a sweat.

The car cruised down a dark, empty mountain road.