I know she’s with me until the end, whenever that might be.
But the fear is already rising, thick and choking. Not because I don’t trust her, but because I’ve lived the before and after of losing someone, and I know how fast everything can turn.
Sometimes by death. Sometimes by choice.
“I’ll come back,” she says again, firmer this time. “I promise. I love you.”
She’s right in front of me, her face foggy but close. Her love undeniable.
So I don’t tell her how scared I am.
I just nod.
And hold on tighter.
Chapter 61Annalise
I’m too tired to drive straight through.
One lonely, anxious night is spent at a hotel in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, which ends up being a pointless pit stop, because I don’t sleep. Not for a second. I toss and turn, spinning different scenarios over in my mind, missing his arms around me, and praying something horrible doesn’t happen during the few days that I’m away.
At 4:00 a.m. I sayscrew it, crawl out of the stiff, cold bed, check out early, and hit the road again. I’m grateful for the twenty-four-hour drive-through that grants me a few hours of caffeinated focus as the sun slowly crests into daybreak, saturating the dark-blue sky in a wash of tangerine and gold. The window is cracked open, spitting icy winter air into the car, and paired with my Bluetooth set at peak volume, I manage not to fall asleep during the seven-plus hour drive into my hometown.
It’s after eleven when I pull into the parking lot with nerves in my throat and a tentative miracle zipping around my chest.
Before I head inside, I check my phone, responding to a handful of missed texts.
Chase:Text me as soon as you can. Hope you’re okay.
Kenna:All is well here. Tag made Michelin-star-level omelets. Did you know he could cook? Damn. Anyway, thinking of you. Check in soon.??
Tag sends me a picture of his omelet.
It does look phenomenal.
Smiling, I shoot back a few love-laced responses and pocket my phone, then jog inside the gas station. The welcome chime greets me, soothing my anxiety for half a second.
Behind the counter is a familiar face—not the one I’m looking for, exactly, but it’s a start. A piece to the puzzle.
“Hello,” he says. “Are you…” His voice trails off when he looks up from his magazine showcasing old vintage cars. A frown furls. “Oh. It’s you.”
“Yeah.” I clear my throat, folding my arms over my puffer coat. “It’s me.”
“Filling up?” he wonders guardedly.
“No, I…I was actually looking for your daughter. Parvati. Is she working today?”
A curious headshake. “No. She does assist occasionally in her free time, but today she has a double shift at the hospital.”
My face falls. “Oh. I see.”
“Can I pass along a message for her?” He’s already reaching for a notepad and a pen.
“Well, I’d really like to speak with her. In person.” I bite my lip, my stomach pitching. “Do you think that’s possible? Does she take a lunch break or anything?”
He studies me for a beat, clearly confused. “Yes. Most days she eats lunch at a diner a few miles from here. Charlie Barker’s. Are you familiar?”
I blink, eyes widening. “I am. I used to work there.”
