He laughs softly, emotion thick in his voice. “Sounds like a good dream.”
She studies him seriously. “You came back.”
“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “I did.”
She nods, satisfied, then yawns and snuggles back into the pillow. “Okay.”
Just like that.
No fear. No doubt.
Trust, offered freely.
Something in my chest finally gives way.
I need to talk to him. Just as soon as Daisy falls asleep and we have a moment alone.
But I must nod off. Because when I open my eyes, from what I thought was a blink but was actually a short nap, he’s gone.
He’s giving me space and time to process. For his and Daisy’s sake—hell, for mine—I hope I don’t leave him hanging for too long.
TEN
BRENDON
A few days after the fire at the school, a letter is waiting for me when I walk into the station.
I almost don’t see it. I’m so in my head and my damn feelings. It’s been three days since I last saw Abby and Daisy. It’s been three days since I promised Abby I’d give her room to realize that I meant it when I said I was here to stay.
Rationally, I know it will take time. She’s been through hell and lost so much in her life.
But I won’t give up on her. Not this time.
I find the note sitting in my locker, folded carefully. My name is written in careful block letters with a purple marker that’s already starting to bleed through the paper.
I know who it’s from before I touch it.
My hands shake anyway.
Justin notices immediately. “You good?”
I nod once, then again. “Yeah. I just… need a minute.”
He grins like he understands more than he’s saying. “Take your time.”
I sit on the edge of the bunk and unfold the paper slowly, like I’m afraid the words might disappear if I rush.
Dear Brendon,
It’s me, your friend Daisy. Thank you for being my hero.
You saved me twice. But you are my hero for another reason.
You’re my hero when you spend time with mom and me. When you’re around, she smiles more and she doesn’t look so tired all the time.
I hope you come see us again.
Love, Daisy
