Page 206 of Lose You Twice

She goes still.

“Everything is calm and clinical. We need more information. Talk to your doctor. Don’t assume anything yet.” My voice starts shaking. “I know all of that.”

“Wren—”

“I don’t need a nurse right now.” My throat feels like it’s going to close. “I need my mom.”

Her face changes completely. “Oh, honey.”

And that nearly does me in.

“I’m so tired.” I push away from the table and stand. “I’m tired of everyone needing something.”

Her expression falls.

“I’m tired of knowing where everyone’s shoes are and what time school starts and whether Lily’s library book is due and what we still need for the twins’ party and whether Justin turned something in.”

“Wren—”

“And I know you work hard. I know you’re exhausted. I know Dad left you with all of this, and it’s not fair, but I am so fucking tired, Mom. Of everything.” The first tear falls, and I wipe it away. “I make everything easier for everybody else, and I’m so tired of being good at it.”

Mom doesn’t interrupt.

“I know everyone loves me. I know that.” Another tear follows. “But sometimes it feels like people only notice me when I stop functioning.”

“That isn’t true.”

“It might not be, but it feels true to me.”

She swallows.

And somehow that makes me keep going.

“Sometimes I don’t feel like your daughter.”

Pain flashes across her face.

“I feel like your equal. Like we’re coworkers running the house together.” My voice breaks completely. “But I’m still your daughter.”

Mom closes her eyes, taking a deep breath, and when she opens them again, they’re shining with unshed tears.

“I want someone to take care of me sometimes.”

I don’t give her a chance to respond before grabbing my bag and heading toward the door.

Even if it’s the last thing I want to do right now, I have to go to work.

37

KAI

“You know the opportunity this is, right, son?” Coach sounds like I just sold my winning lottery ticket, and to some extent, I did.

But I also know it’s the right decision after talking things through with Grayson.

I rake my hand through my hair. “I understand, sir, but I can’t leave my team. We have a great shot at taking it all the way to the championship this year, and I just wouldn’t feel right. I’ll be ready as soon as I finish this season, just like I had planned before.”

Coach sighs, leaning back in his seat. “You’re a hell of a captain, Mercer. You’ve brought this team a long way, and I’m glad you’re sticking around through the end. Not so sure Whitaker will agree with that.”