Subject: Immediate Termination

“Effective immediately, Ethan Harper’s employment is terminated due to performance and conduct concerns. Access to all company systems is to be revoked within the hour.”

I hit send.

Then I got into my car.

By the time I started the engine, my phone was already buzzing.

Ethan.

Again.

And again.

But I didn’t answer.

Because for the first time since I met him—

I wasn’t paying for his life anymore.