Page 114 of You Saw the Best In Me

“Uh, Old Man Tony’s cabin. He’s an old friend. Why?” I counter, wondering what he’s getting at.

“I should learn. I’ve got babies on the way, and I want to protect my family,” he says thoughtfully, and I respect his willingness to learn.

“After this shit settles, I’ll introduce you,” I slap his shoulder, and he thanks me.

I can’t believe she had to use her weapon, and she shot that asshole twice. I’m so proud of her. Her instinct to keep it in her car was spot-on, too.

I’m grateful she had access to what possibly saved her life.

Every time I think about what she went through, my heart hurts. After hours of being trapped in the car with her abuser, she only escapes by shooting him.

I didn’t even ask if he was dead or alive.

I’ve never used my weapon against someone. I keep it for security, so I can’t imagine how she’s feeling right now.

I need to be with her.

After three hours, we switch out, and I’m driving with Adam in the passenger seat.

He immediately falls asleep, and I get a peaceful ride.

My mind wanders to a night we shared when we couldn’t sleep, and Karina was so tired she couldn’t stop laughing. Her little nose scrunch was ever-present, and she was only wearing my t-shirt.

We played silly games to try and get sleepy, including thumb wars and arm wrestling.

She looked up at me, the light on the nightstand illuminating her face, and she whispered so soft and sweet, “Mav, you’re my best friend,” and I kissed her nose.

It was innocent, but it meant the world at the time. Before we’d said I love you or talked about our future together.

It was her small way of saying how much she cared for me, and I was so flustered I didn’t know what to say.

I’d give anything to go back to that moment. I’d have told her how much she meant to me, too. Her smile was infectious, and that laugh was music to my ears.

“How much further until we stop?” Adam wakes up, and he scares the shit out of me.

“Fuck, man. Probably another hour or so,” I say, attempting to breathe.

“Sorry, you looked deep in thought over there. Thinking about your girl?” he smiles and lights a cigarette.

“Always. She’s the center of my world,” I smile, unable to keep my mind off anything else.

“You tell her that lately?” he asks, and I immediately say yes.

If there’s one thing about Karina and I, it’s that we communicate our feelings. Maybe not by traditional means, but we do it in our unique way.

We all rotate once we’re at the seven-hour mark, and I’m now driving alone.

Thank god.

I won’t stop until the gas light comes on. After all this time, it feels like I’m finally getting close.

We’re following the signs for the hospital, and I’m so anxious I may throw up. It’s been a painfully long ride, and I’m exhausted emotionally.

Since Karina went missing, I’ve felt everything from sad to mad. I want the racing thoughts to slow and my breathing to feel natural rather than forced.

Hunter pulls up behind me to the emergency entrance, and I don’t hesitate to jump out of the truck.

They both plan to park in the garage and hit the cafeteria until I update them.