Lance

Because of work, Alice and I mostly see each other through video calls now. Sometimes they’re painfully short, just a few minutes of checking in before we’re swallowed again by our separate worlds. As much as I want to escape and go to her, my life right now doesn’t allow things to be that simple.

Especially with Dad constantly watching.

He never stops. No matter how many times I explain, no matter how clearly I express my refusal, he keeps clinging to the idea that Jeraldine and I are destined to end up together. It’s as if he doesn’t care that I’m suffocating—as long as his plan is followed....