“You were out of it most of the time,” I say.
She studies me for another second, then seems to accept it. Some of the tension leaves her shoulders as she settles back against the mat.
The silence that follows isn’t the same as before.
Not tight. Not strained.
Just… quiet.
I shift a little closer, resting my forearms on my knees.
“You scared me,” I say after a moment.
She looks over, surprised, and then guilt flickers across her face.
“I didn’t mean?—”
“Don’t.” I shake my head. “Don’t do that. No apology.”
She goes quiet again. I take a breath.
“Come back with me.”
Charlotte blinks. “What?”
“Come home.” I nod toward the trees. “When you’re strong enough to walk.”
She studies me, like she’s waiting for more.
“Things are going to be different.”
Her brow furrows. “Different how?”
I glance away, dragging a hand across my face before answering.
“No more fighting. No more blaming you for things that weren’t your fault.”
The words feel unfamiliar, but they come easier than I expect.
“And I’m not treating you like you’re the problem anymore.”
Something in my chest loosens as soon as I say it.
“You almost died, Charlotte.” I meet her eyes again. “That changes things.”
She holds my gaze for a long moment.
Then she nods.
“Okay.”
For the first time in years, there’s nothing strained between us.
Chapter 5
Charlotte Gallagher
The sun is already climbingby the time we leave.
