Third-Person POV Lucas’s shoulders shake so violently it makes Lauren’s chest ache just watching him. He’s unraveling right there in front of them, breath hitching, body folding inward like he’s trying to disappear into himself.Lauren doesn’t say a word. She just holds him.One arm cradles the back of his head, fingers threaded gently through his hair. The other rubs slow, steady circles between his shoulder blades, grounding, anchoring, like she’s trying to pull him back into his own body.Morgan stands frozen a few feet away. His face has gone pale, jaw clenched so tight a muscle jumps near his temple, eyes glossy but unblinking. Even Grandma Turner has gone quiet, her Bloody Mary untouched in her hand, condensation sliding down the glass.Emily is the first one to move.She sets her purse down carefully, like sudden noise might shatter him, and steps closer, kneeling slightly in front of Lucas. Her voice is soft, measured, and controlled.“Hey,” she says gently. “Hey, Lu. Breathe
Last Updated : 2026-01-25 Read more