And now I owe Vex too.
Fuck.
My mind spirals from worst-case to absolute nightmare.
And every version ends the same…
Me failing the people I love.
I’m barely present as we walk the main street of Ligonier. The farmer’s market is in full swing, the brass band playing “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller from the town square bandstand. The upbeat horns and percussion echo through the street—bright, energetic, full of life. It’s the kind of music that says home to people like Gran and Kiera.
It should feel like home to me too.
But I’m stuck in my head, lost in all the ways I’ve screwed up.
Then Effa’s hand slips into mine.
It grounds me instantly.
I glance down at her under that floppy, wide-brimmed white hat, her face half-hidden behind oversized sunglasses. She doesn’t need the disguise in a town like this, but I know she wears it because Raoul’s not here, and it makes her feel safer.
She frowns up at me. “What’s on your mind?” she whispers, low enough that Gran and Kiera, who are distracted by a market stall, won’t hear.
I shake my head. “Nothing, I’m fine.” I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side.
She doesn’t buy it.
“Mercs, if you want to leave the tour, I fully understand.”
“What, and leave you? No chance. I’m good, babe. Honestly.” I exhale slowly. “I just need to stop dwelling and start appreciating what’s good. Like the fact that Kiera’s having a decent day today.”
We both glance over at her. She’s beaming, showing off a new scarf to Gran. Her energy is low, but she’s trying. She’s glowing right now and that’s what matters.
Effa nods. “You want to protect her. I get that. But if it eats you alive, you’ll both lose.”
“You’re absolutely right.” I force a smile. “Let’s have a good day.”
“There’s the spirit.” She nudges me. “Now c’mon, there’s a lava lamp calling your name over there.”
I chuckle, following her toward the stall near where Gran and Kiera are still browsing. Kiera’s laughing, like full-on laughing, and it eases something tight in my chest. Seeing her happy reminds me of why I keep fighting.
It fuels me.
Iwillmake this happen.
I have to.
Because no disease will dim my beautiful sister’s light.
Not on my watch.
“Kaden!” Kiera calls.
I glance over as she walks toward me, something hidden behind her back.
“What kind of mischief have you gotten into now?” I ask as Effa steps up beside me.
“Shut up and put your hand out.”
