In the meantime with Debbie

Debbie keeps walking until her legs finally give out. She collapses onto a bench in front of a high-end clothing store, shoulders shaking as sobs tear out of her chest. Shoppers pass by, some glancing over with mild curiosity, others pretending not to see. Debbie doesn’t care. Her world has narrowed to the ache in her chest and the questions spiraling through her mind.

“Why did Jake kiss my best friend?” she whispers hoarsely. The thoughts come fast now, ugly and sharp.

Were they planning this the whole time?

How long has this been going on?

Was I the idiot who didn’t notice?

Each possibility twists the knife deeper. She hugs herself, unaware that the small device inside her bag rests quietly against her side — the true source of the chaos unraveling her life.

Across from her, behind spotless glass, a mannequin stands in the display window of the clothing store. It wears an elegant outfit, posed casually yet perfectly, eyes glassy and unfocused as it stares out into the mall. Debbie sniffles and looks up.

“Oh, great,” she mutters bitterly. “I’ve lost my boyfriend and my best friend in one day… and all I’ve got is this stupid little dictaphone.” Her fingers dig into her bag as she pulls it out. “God. How’s that fair?”

Her gaze drifts back to the mannequin.