I stepped back.
“No. I—” The words broke in my throat. I stumbled.
The truck gave a quiet warning honk.
It was time.
I couldn’t watch.
I turned and ran into the backyard, collapsing onto the grass. I didn’t make it past the garden fence.
I’m never leaving.
Never getting out.
Never chosen.
I pressed my hands into the earth, gulping for air.
I have nothing.
The truck’s engine rumbled away.
I knew he was on it.
I knew he was gone.
I looked up at the sky—
the stars, the endless black expanse behind them.
The void.
And I sobbed.
After a while, a hand touched my back.
Sable.
She eased down beside me and wrapped her arms around my shaking shoulders.
I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t breathe.
I could only cry.
“I know,” she whispered, again and again.
“I understand.”
Chapter 31
Jess
Click.
I flicked my lighter again.
Click
