Stevie-lou's POV.

My breath caught as the silence pressed in.

But I didn’t. Because even if I wanted to tell him everything, I couldn't. Not yet. Not when it all still burned in my chest like a fresh wound.

I sat up slowly, dragging my legs up onto the couch and hugging them to my chest. My eyes were sore. My cheeks felt sticky from the dried tears. I wiped my face again with the back of my hand, then let my head fall against the cushion. I just needed a minute. Just one.

My phone buzzed from the table. I frowned and reached over for it.

Mom.

My heart...