A Stray Earring

Disgusted by the used condom, I gagged and nearly puked on the spot.

I flung it out of the car window. When I looked down again, I spotted a shining object on the carpet.

My heart sank as I picked it up. It was a single earring. A chill ran down my spine. Without a doubt, it belonged to the woman James had slept with.

With a pale face and trembling fingers, I shoved the earring into my bag.

At that moment, James opened the car door and jiggled the box of dessert in his hand. Sounding cheerful, he chirped, "Darling, I got your favorite dessert. Take it to the café and share it with Sally."

I stared at him squarely while mustering all my energy to hold back tears.

I deliberated whether or not to ask him about it, confront him, or make a scene about the discovery. The words formed on my tongue but refused to come out. Cowardice held me back. I was terrified to hear the truth I already feared.

James noticed my unease and worriedly brushed my hair. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Want me to take you to the hospital?"

After a long, strained silence, I shook my head weakly. "No… Just drive me to meet Sally."

The only wish on my mind was to meet with Sally Bayer. Only in her presence could I breathe easy.

Sally was my childhood best friend. She had witnessed my love story with James. She even moved to this unfamiliar city for my sake.

Every time I got into a fight with James, I would crash at Sally's place. We'd drink, binge TV shows or movies, or hug each other for comfort.

"Mel, every time you come to me, it makes me think I made the right decision to move to your city. I'd hate myself if you had no shoulder to lean on when you're upset."

Sally was not just my friend and bestie; she was my only family in this city. Apart from Sally, I had no one to turn to.

James looked puzzled, but he drove me to the cafe as I asked. "Have a good chat with Sally. Shall I pick you up later?"

I frantically shook my head. "It's fine. I'm staying the night at her place."

With that, I hopped out of the car and practically bolted into the café.

From afar, I spotted Sally sitting in a corner. The moment I saw her, my tears spilled over.

"Hey, Mel!" Sally shot up when she saw me enter. Her wide smile faded at the sight of my tears. "Mel, what's wrong? What happened?

"Don't cry! I'm here for you!"

While grabbing Sally's hand, I cried and cried until I nearly couldn't speak.

"I… James… He…" When I struggled to get my words out, my eyes drifted to Sally's ears. Sally was wearing an earring on her left ear. The other one was missing.

The remaining earring looked familiar to me because it matched the one in my bag.

The café’s noise faded into silence as a deafening buzz filled my ears.