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

at him teasingly. "With you, of

moment, clearly

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

quickly turned and

way she did it left him feeling unsettled. Didn't she realize the danger of toying

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

quickly set down his glass of water and rushed to the bathroom door.

There was no answer.

the doorknob and swung the door open.

died in his throat as he saw her sprawled

than her fall was her state-most of her clothes had come off, leaving large

dry, and he

covered herself with her clothes and cried

deep fear of rats. One had startled her,

quickly turned his gaze away. "Where's the

pointed in a panic. "It's over

then, the rat scurried out from