Which is all true.
Though it was probably touch and go for a while. Thank God for Zach. Zach the wonder dog, who alerted Marjorie and Bryce to Henry’s situation at his home under construction.
I shake my head, trying to clear away the troubling thoughts. Right now, I need to focus on what’s ahead and leave the past in the past.
Another afternoon of studying. We have lecture tomorrow morning, labs in the afternoon. And then, the weekend. But there won’t be any rest for me. Not with the exam inching closer with every passing day.
As I walk into my apartment, I can’t help but look at my phone again, half expecting a call from Marjorie. But my screen remains stubbornly notification-free.
I sit back down at my desk, ready to tackle the books again, when?—
My phone buzzes on the countertop, the sound startling me out of my thoughts.
When I see who it is, my heart jolts.
Fourteen
Henry
Two weeks out from surgery. I’m still not supposed to drive, so Mom asked Aunt Melanie to come over for lunch.
Right.
She’s actually arranging a therapy session for me. Nice try, Mom.
Mom and Anya prepare all my favorites for lunch.
I’m so tempted to call Tabitha, but I don’t want to be that guy. I’m still a mess, now physically as well as emotionally. My body will heal—is healing, and healing well—but my heart?
How did I let this happen?
How did I fall in love with Tabitha in a span of two days, when I was still reeling from taking Ralph’s life?
I’ve been over and over this in my mind.
What the hell?
Maybe Aunt Mel can help me figure it out.
The smell of rosemary chicken and sourdough rolls drifts from the kitchen to my room.
That’s my cue.
“Come on, boy,” I say to Zach.
I showered this morning and put on actual clothes instead of sweats. Zach and I amble to the kitchen where Mom has set the table with her good linens and silver.
In the kitchen.
That’s Mom, though. Making this ceremonial.
Anya sets out glasses of iced tea.
Aunt Melanie arrives a few minutes later. She sweeps into the room looking beautiful as usual, her silver hair swept up with a green scarf that matches her eyes.
“Henry.” She leans down and hugs me. “You look good.”
“Thanks, Aunt Mel. You too.”
