My silence isn’t neutral. It never was. It’s destructive.
Because every day I keep this secret, I’m not just protecting myself.
I’m hurting everyone around me. I’m letting Jace drown in a life he doesn’t understand.
And if I’m honest, I’m letting Sarah walk into something she can’t see coming.
But worst of all, I’m letting Knox stand there and worry about me while I lie by omission. Still hiding the truth from him.
My throat tightens.
Knox tilts his head slightly. “Sierra.”
The way he says my name is quiet, but it lands heavy.
I blink fast. “I need to go.”
His brow furrows. “Star—”
“I need to go,” I repeat, firmer.
I grab my phone out of my pocket when it buzzes. I don't even look at it, and step out of line like my legs remember how to move before my brain does.
Knox reaches for my elbow, but stops short and doesn’t actually touch me.
He gives me the choice again. And that somehow makes the guilt worse. Then I simply walk out of The Brew House with my heart pounding like I just stole something.
Because I did.
I stole time.
I stole honesty.
I stole everyone’s chance to make their own choices with the truth in front of them.
And I can’t do it anymore.
I sit in my car with the engine off, hands gripping the steering wheel so hard my fingers ache.
My breath fogs the windshield and my chest feels too tight.
My thoughts race, all of them circling the same truth like it’s a live wire.
You can’t keep this up much longer.
I can still see Knox’s eyes.
Steady.
Warm.
Concerned.
Like he’s been waiting for me to stop running from my own shadow.
I squeeze my eyes shut and exhale.
Silence isn’t neutral anymore.
