Is her hand still in mine.
57
Olivia
The room feels different this time.
Not empty.
Not uncertain.
Full.
Even before he steps inside.
I feel him.
The door opens quietly—
And Russ walks back in.
Slower than before.
Not rushing.
Not on edge.
But not relaxed either.
I can see it in the way his shoulders still hold tension.
In the way his eyes immediately find me—
Like he needs to.
Like he has to make sure I’m still here.
“I heard,” I say softly.
His steps pause.
Just for a second.
Then he moves closer.
“How much?” he asks.
“Enough.”
His jaw tightens slightly.
He doesn’t ask me to explain.
Doesn’t try to soften it.
He knows exactly what I mean.
“How is he?” I ask.
