Kjell visibly struggles to organize his thoughts. "I worked as a server atPolarnattback then."
He was the server? Oh yes! That's how we know each other. Of course!
Swallowing hard, he fixes his gaze on me. "Why didn't I..."
Is he blaming himself? "No, it was solely my fault. No one else is responsible," I quickly reply.
He smiles vaguely, as if he doesn't believe me.
"What happened can't be changed anymore," the therapy made me realize that. "But since then, I've been doing everything to make amends."
"What do you mean?" Folds appear on his forehead.
A tightness forms in my throat. "I've ruined too much with my addiction," I force out. "My parents are incredibly disappointed."
Suddenly, his eyes widen. "That's why you disappeared all of a sudden."
I bite my lower lip. "No scandals atTouch av lyx," I quote my father, and at that moment, I realize that I still need to tell Kjell the most important thing of all. I gaze at him intently. "My addiction is a secret that must never come to light. Under no circumstances."
"The article..." he stammers, more talking to himself than to me, reminding me of the problem that brought me here to the rooftop in the first place.
"They’ll hunt you down..." All color drains from his face. "They will try anything... And they will uncover..."
I’m instantly nauseous at Kjell's fragmented words. If he's right, I won't be safe in Stockholm anymore. "Oh God."
He looks at me intently. "They will destroy you."
I swallow hard, but it doesn't help. The last thing I need right now is the press following me everywhere. They already spotted me ice-skating with Kjell, and who knows what else.
Maybe they've been following me since my arrival?
The thought sends shivers down my spine. What have they found out by now? What articles are being written about me at this moment? How many rumors are they spreading?
"I need to go." If I stay here, everything will go downhill. My hope of reconciling with my father will be lost forever.
Kjell nods decisively. His expression is filled with compassion. He's the only person here in Sweden standing by my side. He's my friend.
Without thinking, I reach out my hand to him. "Come with me."
He doesn't hesitate for a second, placing his hand in mine. "Wherever you want."
