My father’s name judges me from the tombstone, making the guilt rise inside my chest, swallowing me whole.
My fault.
All of it is my fault.
His death.
Her illness.
My siblings’ pain.
There’s a softthudas the casket reaches the bottom of the grave.
My stomach turns, bile rising up my throat. I force it down, my jaw clenching tight.
People around us are a blur. So many people. They’ve come to pay their respects. It isn’t surprising; Mom is beyond loved in this town.Was.Shewasloved in this town.
All the emotions I’ve been ignoring boil hotter inside me the longer we stay here. They’re like a tornado, twirling, growing and growing and growing. And I know once that tornado touches the ground, there will be no going back.
A soft hand grips mine, pulling me from my thoughts.
Jessica.
I look down to find her tear-stained eyes locked on mine as she worries at the inside of her cheek.
She’s been the only thing keeping me sane, keeping me whole the entire time.
Until you destroy her. Because that’s what you do. You’ve destroyed everything that’s good in your life.
Movement over her shoulder draws my attention.
I look up, my gaze narrowing when I spot Jenkins.
He’s standing in the back, away from everybody else, his gaze locked on the grave.
He lifts his hand, running his palm over his face before letting it drop. Our gazes meet.
What the hell is he doing here?
Our last conversation plays in my head, anger growing inside my chest. Good. I’d rather be angry than sad.
A few heartbeats pass as we just stare at one another.
Then, spinning on his heel, he leaves without a backward glance.
JESSICA
“How are you holding up?” Mae asks as she pulls me in for a hug.
“You’re asking the wrong person.” An unamused chuckle escapes me as I hold on for a few long seconds before releasing her. “I’m not the one whose mom just died.”
Mae gives me her sternest look. “Maybe not, but you’ve been busting your ass to help around here and keep Matthew together. Where is he anyway?”
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear as my gaze darts to the window, that unsettling feeling growing inside my belly. “Outside.”
“Do I even want to ask?”
I shake my head.
