A Phantom Scent

Valerie’s POV

When the time came for all of us to go our separate ways, I hugged Mallory tightly, and then said goodbye to the kids. When it came to say goodbye to Darius, he and I stood there awkwardly, looking at each other, unsure what to do.

We weren’t close enough for a hug, were we? But a handshake felt too impersonal. How were we supposed to say goodbye? Or were we now stuck here in this en