I hope someone can reachhimbefore he loses everythinghe’sworked so hard for.
Before there’s nothing left to save.
And for what?
A hit of white powder?
What a joke!
Making a conscious decision, I turn Google Alerts off and slam my laptop shut.
No more.
I’m done.
I can’t watchhimdestroy himself anymore.
Tomorrow, I start fresh—a life withoutColter Slade.
The thought sparks something unexpected.I can finally say his name without falling apart.
That realization fuels my resolve.
Tomorrow, I’m leaving this house.
I won’t sit in this condo a second longer, drowning in what will never be.
***
Joseph is coming with me. He knows I haven’t stepped foot outside this condo since I arrived and knows what a big deal this is for me.
I’m finally facing reality and leaving my demons behind.
A fresh start.
I even bought a new phone with a different number—just one more step toward cutting ties with the past.
Last night, Daddy and Mummy came over.
Joseph held them off as long as he could, but eventually, they got through the door. Surprisingly, there were no ‘I told you so,’ no ‘you should have listened to us.’In fact, they barely said anything at all.
Maybe they’re just relieved Joseph’s taking care of me.
Danny wasn’t home, which was probably for the best. Joseph still hasn’t told my parents he’s gay, and I doubt he ever will. I’m pretty sure he’d rather break his own thumb than dropthatlittle bombshell on Daddy.
“You ready to go, sweetie?” Joseph asks, handing me my handbag and taking the keys from the kitchen counter.
“Sure am,” I reply confidently—at least on the surface—but inside, that confidence wavers as reality presses down on me. Stepping outside means more than just fresh air. It means facing a world that kept moving while I fell apart. It means proving to myself that I can do this, that I can exist without him.
And I’m not sure I’m ready for that.
Joseph takes my hand, and we walk to the front door.
I stop, staring at it for a moment, the weight of this step pressing down on me harder than it should. Joseph doesn’t hesitate—he wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.
“It’s okay. I got you, princess. Every damn step of the way,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head before reaching for the handle.
The door swings open.
