I’m sorry. I never meant—
I stop halfway through the sentence. Never meant what? I cross the line out.
Please don’t hate me.
Not good enough.
There’s nothing I can write to explain this. Every explanation feels like a trap.
So I write the only thing I can manage.
I’m sorry. I just need some time.
That’s it.
I fold the paper carefully, pressing the crease flat with my fingers like that somehow makes it more real.
My hands feel cold as I set the note on the kitchen counter.
Right in the center.
Where Jake will see it the moment he walks in.
My chest twists so hard I have to grip the edge of the counter.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper to the empty room.
Then I turn away before I can change my mind.
29
JAKE
The Truth
Idrive home from a long day at the Metro Raptors’ facility with a purpose I can almost taste.
All day, Talia’s been in the back of my mind like a low-grade ache. I need to talk to her tonight. Find out what’s bothering her. How I can help. How I can make it better.
I tap the steering wheel as I pull into the neighborhood, already rehearsing what I’m going to say and how I’ll get her to open up.
I’m not going anywherefeels like a good place to start.
I turn into the driveway and cut the engine.
Bear barks once from inside, muffled through the door.
He goes insane whenever he hears the garage—tail thumping, nails skittering, his whole body vibrating with excitement because he’s convinced I’ve just returned from battle.
I grab my bag and step out.
The air is cooler than it has been, a hint of fall sharpening the edges of everything. I close the car door and start toward the front steps.
I’m already picturing her in the living room, probably wearing one of my hoodies, paint smudged on her hands, her hair twisted up in that messy knot that makes me want to pull it down just to watch it spill over her shoulders.
I open the door.
Bear launches at me.
