I have to be wrong.
I lie back on the bed. Stare at the ceiling.
The tears have stopped. But my chest still aches.
For Bruno. For what he's lost.
For the brother I used to know.
The one who would laugh. Who would tease me. Who would protect me.
That Bruno is gone. Buried under layers of anger and pain.
And I don't know how to bring him back.
Maybe I can't.
Maybe no one can.
I close my eyes. Try to push the thoughts away.
But they keep circling back.
To that moment. That split second.
When I saw him standing.
Or thought I did.
I roll onto my side. Pull a pillow against my chest.
My phone buzzes a third time.
This time I check it.
Dmitri asking if I'm okay. If I need anything.
I type back that I'm fine. Just tired.
He responds immediately. Telling me to rest. That he'll see me tonight.
I set the phone down. Close my eyes again.
But sleep doesn't come.
Just more questions.
More doubts.
More images of Bruno that I can't shake.
I lie there for what feels like hours. Though it's probably only minutes.
Eventually, I sit up. Look at the boxes of clothes waiting to be packed.
I should finish. Get it done.
But I can't bring myself to move.
