The Divorce Prescription

Hailey stared out the window at the heavy downpour, unsure how she would manage to get back to campus in such a storm.

Aileen said, "Hailey, it's too dangerous to go out in this weather. You should stay here tonight."

"Absolutely," Pamela added. "Feel free to stay here and sleep in Aileen's room."

Pamela genuinely liked Hailey, but as an elder, she was mindful of boundaries. She wouldn't allow Hailey to stay in Declan's room.

Hailey nodded in agreement. "Looks like I'm staying with you tonight, Aileen." Aileen beamed and linked arms with Hailey. "Come on, I'll show you to the room."

As Hailey stepped into Aileen's room, Aileen handed her a fresh nightgown. "It's brand new. You can wear it."

Hailey took it gratefully. "Thanks a lot, Aileen."

"Feel free to take a shower first," Aileen suggested.

The house had three small rooms-Pamela's, Declan's, and Aileen's-and the bathroom was shared by all.

Hailey clutched the nightgown as she made her way to the door. "Alright, I'll go take a shower now."

As she stepped out, she bumped into Declan. "Declan, it's pouring outside, so I'll be staying here tonight. Don't worry, I'll behave and won't cause any trouble."

the heavy rain outside before turning his gaze back to her. "So,

at him teasingly.

a moment, clearly taken

shouting? Of course, I'm not sleeping with you. I'll be sharing a room with Aileen! Anyway, I'm going to take

turned and headed toward the

He knew Hailey was only teasing him, but the way she did it left him feeling unsettled. Didn't she realize

a deafening boom rang out as lightning struck, followed by Hailey's terrified scream

down his glass of water and rushed

There was no answer.

Declan grabbed the doorknob and swung

saw her sprawled on the floor,

of her clothes had come off, leaving

throat went dry, and

hastily covered herself with her clothes and cried out,

startled her, causing

gaze

panic. "It's over there! It's

scurried out from the corner, heading