The autumn leaves were gracing the sidewalks and streets with their affluent colors as the fall weather swept through the city. A cool breeze blew through Chandler, Arizona on a quiet neighborhood street, just a stone’s throw away from the interstate to the West. Elizabeth lay in bed, stricken with anxiety over the day ahead. Jack had taken off to work about an hour prior and she was alone with her faithful feline companion in their lofty, chilled apartment. The time was nine in the morning and the day was beckoning Elizabeth to rise and greet it with a warm and welcoming embrace.

     Elizabeth enjoyed keeping the apartment cold to make her feel more comfortable. She didn’t mind the additional costs it took to maintain a cool temperature of sixty-nine to sevent...

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