Se connecterGreg 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
Robin points dramatically toward the banner. “We decorated.” “And by decorated,” Wren corrects, “we mean fought with tape for forty minutes.” Jen’s hand flies up to cover her mouth as she laughed carefully to avoid hurting her jaw. I look at her quietly. The smile on her face is genuine. Not forced
The hospital discharge papers are sitting folded neatly in my hand as I walk slowly beside Jen through the corridor. Days. It has taken days before the doctors were finally satisfied enough to let her go home. Even now, I can see the exhaustion written all over her face. The bruising along her jaw
After getting off the phone with my parents they have decided to make the trip out here to Chicago to give not just us some support but to be there for Greg’s parents too. I’m relieved to hear they are coming out here and to hear that they are on the next commercial flight out too is a huge relief.
Before heading back into the hospital, I go and grab myself a coffee and a blueberry muffin from the nearby coffee shop. I wander around a little eating my muffing before heading back to the hospital. That is if I don’t get lost on the way. Returning back to the hospital and getting back to Greg’s r
Three exhausting, long hours later I finally land in Chicago. Leaving the airport, I can see why they call this place The Windy City. The winds blowing around us has my hair blowing in every direction across my face. Once I have tied my hair back with a spare band that Sav had in her purse, I send G
Garrett: Yes, please babe do that. I’ll miss you while you’re gone, and I’ll think about you every day until I see you again. Have a safe journey, Jen. Jen: Thanks Garrett, I’ll think about you too. XX Putting my phone away we are not far away from the airport when a Country song comes on the radi







