~Jennie’s~

“I don’t know how much more I can carry without falling apart.”

I whisper that to no one at first. The hallway is quiet. Blue’s asleep. The windows are fogged from the evening chill. And I’m just... here. Floating. Heavy. Sore. And so, so tired of pretending I’m okay.

Leo’s sitting by the fire in the den. He looks like he’s been waiting for me. Like he knew I’d crack tonight. He’s wearing one of those old knit sweaters I used to make fun of. Now I want to bury myself in it.

He looks up. “Hey. You okay?”

I shake my head. “No.”

He doesn’t rush me. He...