Three dots appear.
Ping.
Reed
Can’t wait to see you.
A tear hits the screen, splashing across his name. I wipe it away with my thumb and swallow the lump in my throat.
I zip my suitcase shut and stare at the very faint bruise already forming under my skin.
God, Layla, grow a pair and leave.
The thought hits hard.
It’s not the first time I’ve said it to myself, and it won’t be the last.
But then the other voice answers, the one that constantly makes excuses for him, the one that is scared to leave despite everything.
He didn’t mean it.He’s just stressed.You knowhow he gets.
I tell myself today is the day I’ll leave, but when that day comes, it’s either a good or bad day with Brian. On good days, I see a glimpse of the man I met in high school: sweet, charming, loving. On his bad days, I see someone I don’t recognize—a monster—and he’s progressively getting worse.
He verbally and emotionally abuses me, but tonight he physically hurt me, and I’m scared it’s going to get worse if he gets mad again.
I can do it. I can do it. I. Can. Do. It.
But it’s different when you’re inside of it, when the person holding the match keeps whispering that the fire’s your fault.
I’ll find the courage, but right now, I’m running.
I’m tuckedinto a corner by Gate 14, my oversized hoodie pulled over my hair, pretending I’m just another traveler instead of a liar.
My suitcase sits between my boots, cherry-vanilla perfume leaking faintly from the zipper. I’ve already checked in, no turning back now.
My phone pings with messages from my group chat with the girls.
Catalina
bitch, i miss you. when can you come and visit?
Layla
soon! i’ve just been busy with collabs and brian
Amelia
ugh you suck, you need to meet leo
Catalina
you hate us, its fine, miss you sm
Layla
miss you guys more, i love you
I press send and keep my gaze fixed on the screen. My throat tightens, and guilt creeps in. They’d kill me if they found out I went out there and didn’t see them, but I’m running away to seehim.
