Chapter 82

de The living room was dim, only the soft blue fieker from the muted 2V lighting our fear an the couch, knees drawn up, hoodie sleeves fogged over her hands, taring at the screen withone other end, close enough to feel the warmth coming off her, but not close enough to crived her

d been like this for almost an hour. Not touching. Not talking, Just breathing in the same spree

couldn’t stay quiet anymore.

torned her head slowly. Her eyes were red-rimmed, lashes still damp from earlier tears. She looked small water be nket, fragile in a way that made my chest ache.

need to say something.” I said, my voice low. “I know tonight isn’t the time. I know you’re hurting o tinch von a be cathe. But if I don’t say it now, I might never get the chance.”

he didn’t speak. Just watched me-waiting, guarded.

ubbed my palms on my thighs and took a slow breath.