Desolation

Chapter 6

The flight was agonizingly long and she had spent the hours pressed between two very large and loud people, who would take turns in snoring and almost drooling on her shoulder. But this had been the very last seat available for this flight. 

As she made her way to the baggage claim area, she realized that she forgot her suitcase in her new York appartment. She left in such a hurry and her mind had been with Jay the entire time that she completely zoned out. Hopefully, Hank stored her clothes or she would have to buy new ones. Because one thing was sure. Whether or not Jay wanted her there, she would stay in Chicago until he got better.

"Is that everything?", Adam asked and looked at her confused. He probably expected her to have way more luggage.

"I was in such a hurry. Suitcase's still in my appartment in New York.", she replied and went in for a hug. "I really missed you, Adam!"

Even though the words were only murmured, Adam heard them clearly and was once again reminded that she hadn't left of free will all together. 

"So how's he doing? Any news?", she adressed the most pressing subject first. She was white like a wall and had bags under her eyes, that couldn't be just the stress. All in all, she looked like a beaten woman, who raced here to be with a man who had broken up with her.

"Still in surgery, there were some complications. I can tell you, Will almost lost it once or twice but at least the nurse sounded more optimistic this time."

The ride to the hospital was silent and awkward.

"Look, Adam, I get why you're mad at me but would you please let me explain why I left the way I did?", Erin questioned, not able to stand the silence anylonger. Without waiting for a response she rambled on. "I had to leave or the white shirts would have pulled intelligence apart. This was the only way to keep their focus elsewhere, besides, I felt like there was nothing more left for me here."

"Nothing left? Erin everybody you know lives in Chicago. Kim lives in Chicago and might I add that she was devastated when she realized that you were gone for good? She cried for like a week. Your entire supportsystem is here and yet you chose to leave. Don't even pretend like you were forced. You could have looked for another job. But you chose the job over your friends and family. And this is precisely what makes me furious."