I try to wipe them off, but it does nothing. It continues to stick to me.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I should’ve listened to her.”
Wind nips at my face, and the door opens, footsteps approaching.
He’s here. The man with the tattoo.
Hands cup my face. “Erin, listen to me. You’re having a panic attack. Open your eyes.”
“I can’t. I’ll see him. He’ll hurt me.”
“No one’s gonna hurt you, Erin. I’m here. You’re safe.”
I crack my eyes open slowly and find Brax kneeling in front of me outside of the café.
“Tell me five things you can see.”
My voice trembles. “B-Brown eyes, dark h-hair, t-tattoos, a scar, trees.”
“Four things you can touch.”
“G-Gravel, fabric, skin. And the wall.”
“Three things you can hear.”
“Birds, a bell, and w-wind.”
“Two things you can smell.”
“Donuts and flowers.”
“One thing you can taste.”
“Coffee.”
Brax’s features settle, a misty look crossing his face. “Are you okay?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know.”
This isn’t fair.
Everything has been perfect. I’ve been doing so well. Things between Chase and I have been going great, and now I’m sitting in the dirt, reliving one of the worst days of my life.
Brax studies me carefully. “I don’t have to get Roman from school for a couple hours yet, but on Fridays, we get ice cream. Come with us. He’d be thrilled to see you.”
He holds out his hand, and I take it, his grip an anchor that keeps me steady in the chaos.
Without a clear explanation, I find myself asking him a question I never thought I’d ask anyone. “Do you investigate murders from a long time ago? Maybe thirteen years?”
“Are you telling me you’ve committed a crime?” he asks playfully. “Chase is not going to be happy if he comes home to find I arrested his girlfriend.”
“Is it a crime to witness a murder and not report it?”
“Let’s talk. Sit,” he says, pointing to a bench. I realize as we move through the park, it’s the same one Chase and I sat on months ago. The rough textures of the wood under my hands bring back memories of my nervous palms. It’s comforting, even though I’m a fire hydrant ready to burst open.
“Sentimental spot?”
“The first time I was here, Chase asked me out and I, um… I ran away from him.”
