There are three people involved in this mess, and I can’t afford to screw up all our lives.
I’m not just a scientist, I’m the most rational, grounded person I know. And it took everything I had to rebuild my life after losing my dad.
I’ve spent years reinforcing my sense of stability, brick by brick, wall by wall, learning how to protect myself from life’s curveballs.
I promised myself I’d never let anyone catch me off guard again. Never let my world be turned upside down like that.
And I won’t let this, whateverthisis, tear down everything
I’ve built.
Not this time.
CHAPTER 6
The evening of the show
REMI
I’m heading home earlier than usual, already feeling slightly on edge about tonight.
Sebastian and I agreed to meet directly at the theatre, the Savoy, just a few minutes’ walk from our place. We’re supposed to be there by 6:45. The performance starts shortly after and runs until eleven.
I’ve never sat through a play that long before, and the thought of spending four hours packed into a theatre seat, side by side with Sebastian, makes me more nervous than I’d like to admit.
I just hope he doesn’t notice how much his closeness affects me.
Especially since, with how late it’ll finish, we’ll almost certainly end up grabbing dinner together afterwards…
I tried reading a few reviews online, just to get an idea of what we’re in for, but I still don’t know what to expect.
Mostly, I’m curious to understand why this story matters so much to Sebastian.
Over breakfast this morning, despite being mildly distracted by one of his typically ridiculous pyjamas, I managed to catch that he was planning to swing by the flat to change after rehearsals at the conservatoire, then head to some appointment before meeting me at the theatre.
So I assumed I’d have the flat to myself to get ready. I was actually looking forward to a long, hot shower and taking my time choosing what to wear. According to Sebastian, there’s no need to dress up, but it’s still a night out at the theatre. I’m not about to show up in jeans and a hoodie.
I’m still turning all this over in my head as I unlock the front door, only to freeze.
There’s a body on the living room floor.
It takes me less than a second to realize it’s Sebastian.
He’s curled up tightly on the wooden floorboards, eyes closed, body completely stiff, face pale and damp with sweat.
He’s not moving.
A jolt of panic floods my system.
My heart hammers in my chest as I force myself not to hyperventilate. I have to stay calm. He needs me.
Somehow, I push through the fog and try to remember everything I’ve picked up from living with a medical student.
I drop to my knees beside him and gently check for a pulse.
Slow… but steady.
I exhale, shaky, but relieved.
