Twelve days. That’s how long it’s been.

Twelve days since I last saw Hailey in person, twelve days since I touched her— since I felt her. Since I abandoned her at the hospital.

And it’s been seven days since she was discharged.

I’m a pathetic man for even bothering to count the days like I’m obsessed—I am—when I could’ve been there for her, and not having to deal with the feeling of loneliness, with the want… with the guilt.

I’ve spent days beating myself up for letting my anger take things this far, and every time, I hear my father’s voice. Laughing, reminding me of what a screw up I...