My Name Escaped Without Me

The worst part is not the inquiry. It is that somebody decided I should be findable before I agreed to be visible. I have spent years making sure clients disappear from my life after I close their problem. Apparently I am not allowed the same courtesy.

I keep wondering who benefits from Claire Donovan knowing my name. The obvious answers are ugly, which is why I distrust them. There may be someone subtler helping, someone who thinks protecting Destiny means putting me in the story too. That thought scares me more than a trap would, because a trap is at least honest about wanting something.

When the unknown call came, I knocked the glass onto the floor. I wanted to pick up every piece immediately, prove I could still manage one clean corner of my life. Instead I sat there listening to the city and feeling almost relieved that I had made a mess I could see.

My mother heard none of this during our call. I gave her the safe version because that is what mothers are allowed: worry from a distance, cleaned up and folded. My sister probably knows I sounded too cheerful. I hate that she might know and still let me perform.

Someone is carrying my name now. I do not know whether I need to take it back or correct it. I left the email unanswered because tonight I refuse to become easier to reach.