15 July 1995

Then very quickly she turned, walked up to him and pulled his face to hers, her cheek warm and wet against his, speaking quickly and quietly in his ear, and for one bright moment he thought he was to be forgiven.

“ Dexter, I love you so much. So, so much, and I probably always will. ” Her lips touched his cheek. “ I just don’t like you anymore. I’m sorry. ”

And then she was gone, and he found himself on the street, standing alone in this back alley trying to imagine what he would possibly do next.