Back in town

Mr. Brown died in a car crash. He was driving drunk, apparently. Evan still doesn’t know much besides the few words his stepmother told him on the phone, and a text message with the details of the funeral.

In this kind of situation, Claire doesn't know what to do or what to say except help him pack,

“Do you want me to go with you?”

She has not been back to Green Valley for so long, and the prospect of doing it now fills her with dread. Evan must know that, too, because he shakes his head and mutters that it is not necessary.

“It won't take long. I’ll just be away for a couple of days and you have classes.”

Perhaps he just can’t handle that, too, at a moment like this. There is no doubt that going with him means encountering Rick face to face, and she isn't ready for that.

“Okay. I’ll take you to the bus station, then.”

“I can drive, we’re just a few hours from the town.” He cups her face and kisses her forehead. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

He barely slept a couple of hours, but even