I don’t know what was told to Keoni’s squad and Dom, but they did come by and see us. We told them that we were working on our mental health, which wasn’t a lieper se, and needed the time to work on us.
Britt spent several weekends with us, which distracted us from fear someone would show up to cart off Keo for killing two people.
This isn’t normal. Neither I, nor the man I love, know how to cope with everything that’s happened. We haven’t been able to explain it to our therapists, so we’ve only had each other to get through the hardest nights.
I’m struggling with nightmares, haunted by the thought that Michael might somehow still be alive. Keo is battling his own demons, living with the weight of murder, even if we both agree they deserved it.
But despite all of that, he doesn’t run, and I don’t shut down. We hold each other close and figure it out, together.
He’s still carrying the guilt associated with our parents’ deaths, but we’re working through it. There’s no magic pill that takes the pain away, but we’re determined to share the burden—every ache, every moment of grief, together.
We’ve found comfort in the little things around the cabin, slowly returning to something that resembles a normal life—well, as normal as life can be for us right now. He’s back at work, and I’m getting close to landing a job at the hospital in Maple Falls.
Today, I should know if I’m able to go for it.
The sound of tires drags my gaze up from the dirt both Keo and I are patting down. It’s the first day of spring, and with that, came us planting the sunflowers he gave me for Christmas. It’s been a day I’ve looked forward to for more than just one reason.
Keo stands, and I do after dusting off my jeans.
The white car comes to a stop, and stepping out of it, is Dr. Yadav—Markus.
I take a deep breath and smile as he sees us. He shuts the car door and locks it, before heading in our direction.
“Ayden, it’s so good to see you.”
Tucking my gloves under my arm, I reach out and take his handin a shake. “You too, Markus. You didn’t have to come all the way out here.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t be silly, it’s not like I can’t afford it.” His laugh blends in as he continues, “Just kidding. I also wanted to see you, and…” He looks over my shoulder. “Meet your boyfriend. Keoni, right?”
“Yes, sir. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Markus.”
They shake hands. “Pleasure is all mine.” His smile doesn’t falter as he looks up at the cabin, our home, then back to us. “All charges have been dropped.”
The loud exhale of breath doesn’t only come from me, but also Keo. His arm comes around my neck, pulling me tight to his side.
“With Michael’s sudden disappearance, and no follow up on the charges against you from him, the case was dismissed.”
Levi and Evelyn said that would happen, but it still didn’t lessen my anxiety.
“I also wanted to apologize. My PI wasn’t able to find out more information on your accident.”
I can feel Keo’s biceps flex. I’d told him what Michael had said about that night. He wasn’t happy, and that’s putting it lightly. I’m sure if my ex hadn’t been dead, he would’ve killed a third man.
“I’ve asked that they look further?—”
“Don’t worry about it,” I cut in. “I just… want to move on with my life. If he ever shows back up, then we can worry about it.”
The concern in his expression has me giving him a nod of reassurance. “I’ll keep the charges here in Colorado against him for the next nine months. I’ll do all the follow ups, but if he doesn’t show up… I’m going to officially let it all fall off.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.” I wrap my arm around Keo. “I’m sure.”
Markus lets out a sigh. “I’d be worried he’d come do something crazy. I’m sure if he had a psych evaluation, he’d be admitted.”
“Couldn’t agree more,” Keoni grits through his teeth. “But don’t worry, I’ve got him, and we’ve got some incredible neighbors that have our backs.”
Markus smiles, looking between us. “Alright.”
