“I can’t take care of anyone.”
“You’ve been doing it all your life,” she says
sweetly.
“You don’t know what you’re saying, Erin. I’m
not able to think about anyone besides myself.”
“You’ve been taking care of your family since
you were just a boy.”
I look at her, confused.
“Did you think I didn’t know? And you take
care of your friends, and you’ve looked after
Rain.”
I shake my head back and forth and bite my
cheek so hard it starts to bleed. Anything not to cry
in front of her.
“I’m tired of spinning in circles, I’m exhausted
of taking care of everything and everyone … I
can’t take any more on my plate, I can’t take care
of you.”
Her smile widens even more and I think I’ll die
of shame in light of her shared confidence.
“Then I’ll take care ofyou.”
“You’ll what?” I let go of my cheek and a big
fucking tear slides down the corner of my eye and
falls until it hits the corner of my mouth.
She steps closer and rests her forehead against
mine. “I’ll take care of your heart and make sure
nothing bad happens to it.”
“Erin…”
“Shh! Everything’s going to be alright, trust
me.”
