“I used to feel like part of the Shadows,” I say. “Not just the President’s sister. Not just the Princess you had to protect. I wasfamily.Imattered.”
My chest tightens, but I keep going.
“And then one day, I realized I could disappear for days at a time… and no one would notice.”
Riley’s breath stutters.
“I moved out because I needed to move on,” I say softly. “And everyone told themselves it was fine because I smiled. Because I said I was okay. Because I didn’t want to be a burden.”
Tears spill over Riley’s lashes.
“I sat alone in this apartment night after night,” I continue. “Listening to silence. Convincing myself that I chose it. That I wanted it. That I was strong enough to handle it.”
Eli’s hands start shaking.
“And then Christmas happened.”
I finally look at them.
“I stood outside the gate with gifts for every single one of you. Gifts I picked out with love. Gifts I wrapped by myself in my shop late at night because it made me feel close to you.”
Riley lets out a broken sob.
“I watched you all laughing,” I whisper. “Opening presents. Holding your kids. Being a family.”
My voice cracks, but I don’t stop.
“And I realized that I wasn’t part of that anymore.”
Eli’s tears fall freely now.
“When I went to that bar?” I admit quietly. “That wasn’t about being reckless. That was about being tired of feeling invisible.”
Eli lets out a sound that’s halfway between a sob and a gasp.
“I needed someone to see me,” I say. “To choose me. To want me.”
“Abby,” Riley cries. “I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry.”
Eli sinks onto the couch beside her, his face buried in his hands.
“We failed you,” he whispers. “We were right there… and we still failed you.”
I finally let the tears fall then. Quietly but heavy.
“I don’t want apologies,” I say softly. “I just need you to understand why this broke me.”
Riley looks up at me, eyes red and swollen.
“We won’t ever let this happen again,” she says fiercely. “I swear it. Never.”
Eli nods, crying openly now. “Whatever you need. We’ll do it.”
I reach out and take both their hands.
“I don’t need you to save me,” I say. “I just need you toseeme.”
They both nod.
