Page 135 of The Song We Lost

Because they don’t believe me.

Because I don’t believe me.

Dave presses something into my hand.

A pill.

I stare at it.

Longer this time.

“Just one,” he says quietly.

Just one.

I swallow it, because I don’t know what else to do.

There’s a woman in my room.

I don’t know how she got here.

But I know she isn’t Bailey.

She’s talking.

I’m not listening.

She leans in.

Touches my chest.

My arm.

My neck.

“I’ve always loved your music,” she says.

My stomach turns.

“I need…” I start.

She smiles.

“I know what you need, Luke. I am here to make sure you get it.”

Her hand slides lower.

Something snaps. “Stop.”

She laughs like it’s part of the game. “Relax…”

“I said stop.” My voice is sharper now.

She pulls back. Annoyed. “What’s your problem?”

Everything.

I stand too fast.