Chapter 46: Colton

Just as I'm adding the finishing touches to a paper, an email pops up in the corner of my computer screen. Everything inside me freezes as I stare at the name. It's as if I'm dangling at the tippy top of a sky-high rollercoaster, perched for a descent.

C. Radcliffe.

In what universe did I think reaching out to my mother was a good idea? Why did I think it would give me the closure I needed to move on with my life?

Right now, it seems like the worst thing I could have possibly done.

All of a sudden, I feel like I'm going to puke.

Instead of opening up the message and reading it, I slam the laptop closed and shove away from the table I've been working at. The more distance I put between myself and that computer, the better off I am. My chest feels heavy. It feels as if there is a thousand-pound elephant sitting on it, making it impossible to breathe.

A cold sweat breaks out across my brow as I grab my keys and wallet and head out the apartment. Less than twenty long-legged stride