I want to cry; I want to lay down, open my mind, and let it all pour away. I’m desolate and scared. An internal agony threatens to consume me, vibrating inside my stomach. I never thought I would be in this place ever again. I’m scared, and fear is not something I ever wanted back in my head.

I pick up my cell and call Jake’s number. It’s impulse, something I do without a thought. He always knows how to make me smile, how to make me feel better. Just his voice on the other end will make me calmer. I need to tell him I’ll be gone for a...