He leans back, folding his arms. “And if he starts rationalizing again, saying he’s got it under control, that one drink won’t hurt… that’s a red alert.”
I blow out a breath. “That’s a lot of responsibility.”
“Just remember, Jensen is responsible for Jensen. Your job is to be a good friend. Which you have been. He’s talked about you a lot, and he’s lucky to have you.”
My eyes well up, and my voice cracks when I say, “It’s me that’s lucky to have him.”
Tobias smiles, nodding. It’s quiet for a moment before there’s a knock on the door.
“You ready?” he asks, already standing.
I rise to my feet, bracing myself. “Yeah.”
He opens the door, and Jensen walks in. The second he sees me, a grin stretches across his face.
“Hey, man!” I call out, walking toward him until we meet in a hug, clapping our hands on each other’s backs.
“Hey, brother.” Jensen’s voice cracks, and goddammit, my throat swells, choked with emotion.
What a fucking ride these past two years have been.
“Thanks for coming,” he says, pulling back. His eyes are misty, but they’re clear. Clearer than they’ve been in a long time.
But mine aren’t.Jesus. A few tears fall down my cheek, and I blink rapidly to hold them back. I didn’t realize just how much I missed him.
“Damn, it’s good to see you!” I exclaim, gripping his shoulder. “You look good! What are you, training for an Ironman or something? What the hell?”
Jensen’s always been in decent shape with an athletic build, and his weight’s fluctuated over the past few years, but I’ve never seen him like this. He’s fit. And not just fit—the dude’s yoked.
I knew this place focused on health—personal trainers, top chefs, whole-foods-only diet, life coaches, meditation—as well as top-ranked counselors and doctors. But I didn’t expect him to come out this changed. It’s like he’s hit the gym every damn day.
Jensen chuckles through his tears. “Thanks, man. I’ve had a lot of gym time. How was your trip over?”
“It was good. Just worked on the plane. You ready to get the hell out of here and see Switzerland?”
We’re spending the next week here exploring before heading back home.
“Hell yes,” he says with a grin.
“I know you two have a lot to catch up on, so I’ll try to make this quick,” Tobias says, settling back into his chair.
We both take a seat opposite him as he launches into a summary of the past twelve weeks—Jensen’s stay, his treatment, and his progress. Then he hands me a packet on how to support Jensen during the transition home.
“We’ve already gone over what this transition can look like with Jensen thoroughly.” Tobias looks to him. “He’s ready,” he adds with a nod.
He hands Jensen his discharge papers and walks him through each one as he signs. Then he passes me an acknowledgment form—something I need to sign to confirm I’m agreeing to support Jensen at home.
Tobias walks us out to the lobby, where a group of counselors and other patients are waiting to say their goodbyes to Jensen. He hugs them all, grinning through the tears, and it’s clear how much they care. All I can think about is how I wish Alley could see this.
I want to be mad at her. I want to shake her and tell her he’s not the same man she left. But I also saw her face that morning—when she walked out like she’d already buried him. And at the same time, there’s this gnawing fear underneath it all. The kind that whispers,What if this doesn’t last?
He looks like a new man. But I’ve seen new men fall apart fast. And I don’t know if I could handle watching that happen to him again.
I take a few group photos for him with my phone as he says his final goodbyes.
The last hug comes from an older woman. She wraps him up tightly, holding on like she doesn’t want to let go.
“I’m so proud of you,” I hear her say, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Don’t you give up on her.”
