I stare at her. “I play basketball, and we live in California.”
“You’re pale emotionally,” Jade says, and Blakely makes a strangled noise like she’s trying not to laugh.
My gaze flicks between them, then back to Pops, who is watching this entire exchange like it’s the best entertainment he’s had in weeks.
“Pops,” I say slowly. “What is happening?”
Pops lifts his brows, innocent. “Your friends are visiting. You’re leaving the house. Seems pretty straightforward.”
I step closer to him, lowering my voice so they can’t hear the tremor in it.
“I don’t like surprises,” I whisper.
Pops’s expression softens. He reaches out with his good hand and catches my wrist, his grip weaker than it used to be but still warm. Still Pops.
“I know,” he says quietly. “But sometimes surprises are good.”
My throat tightens.
I swallow hard, then force my voice to be steadier. “Where am I going?”
Pops’s eyes hold mine. “Out.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He smiles faintly. “It’s the only one you need.”
I stand there, frozen, because leaving the house feels like stepping away from a cliff edge. Like if I turn my back on him, something will happen, and I won’t be here to catch it.
Pops must see it on my face, because his grip tightens a fraction, and he says it—simple, steady, like he’s giving me permission to breathe.
“I’m not going anywhere, kiddo.” His voice is warm. Certain. “Have fun. I love you.”
For a second, everything in me goes quiet.
No buzzing panic. No checklist. No scanning for symptoms.
Just that sentence.
I swallow. My vision blurs. I blink hard.
“I love you too,” I manage, voice thick.
Pops gives my wrist a gentle squeeze, like that’s enough emotion for one morning. “Go.”
Jade clears her throat loudly behind me. “Yes. Go. Before I physically carry you outside.”
I straighten slowly, smoothing my hands over my leggings like that will smooth out the knot in my chest.
I lean down again and kiss Pops’s temple this time, careful and slow, like I can memorize him with my mouth.
“I’ll be back later,” I whisper.
“I know,” he says softly. “Now, go live a little.”
I step back.
Jade and Blakely practically herd me toward the front door like I’m a reluctant toddler.
