I’ve heard that before. Too many times.
Lily lowers the phone slowly, her hand trembling just enough that I notice. Her eyes lift, going straight to Jude, then Dex.
Dex is still laughing.
Jude isn’t.
Lily walks toward them. I can’t hear what she says, but I see it. Dex’s smile fades, and Jude goes completely still before pushing to his feet.
His hand drags through his hair, sharp and desperate.
“Jude,” Lily calls softly.
He shakes his head and doesn’t look back.
“I’m goin’ home.”
And then he is gone.
For a second, it feels like no one breathes.
The space he leaves behind feels too big.
I don’t realize I’ve stood up until I’m already moving toward Dex.
His eyes are glassy.
“What’s wrong, Pan?” I ask softly, my hand coming up to his cheek without thinking.
He leans into it for just a second.
“A friend of ours…” he exhales, his voice rough. “He died today.”
The words settle heavy between us.
“Leukemia,” he adds quietly.
“They said he had a year…” His jaw tightens. “He didn’t even make it six months.”
I don’t say anything. I just pull him into me.
He holds on tight.
“I’m here,” I murmur against his shoulder. “Tell me what you need.”
“Just…you.”
My heart aches.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
I pull back slightly, searching his face, then glance toward the direction Jude disappeared.
“You want to go after him?”
Dex shakes his head at first, but I see it. That hesitation.
“He was my friend,” he says quietly. “But… he was Jude’s everything. Like a sixth brother.”
