Mag-log in“Yes!” The anger comes rushing back instantly. “He told them everything that happened and made the decision himself.” Robin winces a little. “Oh…” “And then,” I continue heatedly, “he starts diagnosing me with some PTSD bullshit because of one nightmare.” Wren and Robin exchange another look. I se
I barely make it anywhere down the hallway before my knees give out. The apartment door slammed shut behind me seconds earlier, but instead of storming off as I intended, I sink down against the wall outside my own apartment with tears pouring uncontrollably down my face. My chest hurts. Not physica
Greg takes a breath, visibly trying to remain patient. “I was trying to protect you.” “There it is,” I mutter. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You deciding what’s best for everybody.” Greg stares at me. “You think I wanted to do this?” “I think you crossed a line.” His expression darkens slig
JenI wake with a start, disoriented by the unfamiliar brightness pouring through the curtains. For a moment, I just blink up at the ceiling, my body heavy and sore, my mind foggy from restless sleep. My ribs are aching. My shoulder is throbbing from where the bruises still stain my skin. Every move
“But—” “I’m here.” I gently press her hand against my chest so she can physically feel my heartbeat beneath my shirt. “I’m alive.” Jen’s breathing hitches. “I’m safe,” I continue quietly. “And most importantly—you’re safe too.” Her eyes squeeze shut briefly as another tear slips free. I wipe it awa
I don’t remember falling asleep. One moment, I had been wiping down the kitchen counters after cleaning up the remains of the little welcome home party, and the next, I am lying beside Jen in the dark, exhaustion dragging me under harder than I had expected. The apartment is silent except for the di
Jen gasps and slaps me across my chest, avoiding my broken arm. “I can’t believe that of all the things about me, that is the one you remember.” Her face turns reddish pink, making me unsure if she’s embarrassed or blushing. OR maybe both.“When it comes to you, sweet cheeks, I have never forgotten.
Getting wheeled back into the gallery where Jen left me, I keep looking at all the paintings, waiting for her to return. My eyes kept wandering to the painting I have just secretly purchased for the woman who is taking care of me and whom I still love deeply. When I get a bit longer of a chance, I n
“What do you think of it?” Jen asks me. I can only ever be honest with her, so I tell her my honest opinion.“It’s breathtaking. There’s something about this painting that reminds me of you. I don’t quite know what it is, but it’s there. The colors and the contrasts are just captivating. I can see w
“I will drive you to all your appointments as long as they don’t interfere with my classes or my job. If they do, you will need to make other arrangements. You will have your own room, and we would obviously need to let each other know about the shower. Other than that, I’m sure we will get along qu







