Page 7 of The Star in Room 7

I nod. “It seems like a great place.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“But I still don’t see that I fit in here. I have a home. I could go home. I’m just being pathetic.”

“You’re not. Everyone deserves to feel safe, including you. To that end, this room is yours for as long as you need it. As for the rest… think about it. There’s no pressure to do anything right now. Settle in, perhaps introduce yourself to some of the other guests. You’ll find that they’re all very supportive of one another.”

I recoil a at that suggestion.

“Are you all right?” Phoenix asks, concern pinching his brow.

“No one can know I’m here. I’ll be outed if the press find out.” I feel like a coward that it’s even a concern.

“You don’t need to worry about that. All of the Angels have different reasons for being here. Everyone understands the need for safety. Halo House doesn’t have many rules, Zach, but one of the most important ones is to respect everyone’s privacy. No one will go to the press. I promise.”

I make myself breathe slowly as I process his words. “Okay. Thanks. I’m sorry for suggesting…”

He leans forward and puts his hand on mine. “There’s no need to apologize. I understand your concern, and I’m glad I was able to put your mind at rest.”

“You did. Thanks.”

He smiles. “If you feel you need someone to talk to, let me know, and I’ll arrange for you to meet one of our patrons.” He stares at me thoughtfully for a moment, as though he knows just the person that might be able to help me. I hope that’s true. “Would you like me to show you the closet and give you a tour of the house?”

“Please.”

He stands, his light, flowing clothes rustling as he turns toward the door.

I force myself to unfold and get off the bed. My knees are aching from being bent for so long.

“We’ll start with the closet, and then I’ll show you the rest of this floor, and then the first floor. Only Angels are allowed on this floor. It’s your sanctuary. A place you know you can be completely safe.”

“Angels and you?”

“Yes.”

We turn left out of my room, which has a brass number seven on it, like a hotel room, and go into the room next door. The closet turns out to be a whole room full of clothing racks, like a mini clothes store. My eyes widen as I take it all in and look at a couple of shirts on the rack closest to me. They’re good quality, not cheap disposable fashion.

“Everything in here has been donated by one of our sponsors,” Phoenix says. “You’re welcome to whatever you want. You should be able to find something you like.”

“I-I⁠—”

I have clothes in my apartment. I feel terrible even looking at these clothes, knowing I don’t deserve them. I should toughen up, go home, and… Even the thought makes me freeze up. My chest squeezes tight, and I let out an odd, strangled sound.

“I think I would like to talk to someone,” I choke out. “I want to feel safe. Do you know anyone who can help me feel safe again?”

“I think so, yes. If you’re sure you want to meet one of our patrons so soon.”

“I don’t want to feel this way. If you know anyone who can help me stop feeling this way, I’d like to meet them.”

“One of our patrons is in the close protection industry. Do you think talking to him might help?”

“Close protection? Like a bodyguard?”

“Yes, exactly like that.”

“Yes. Yes, that would help a lot.” I stifle a sob by pressing my fist hard against my lips. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually this much of a mess.”

“Like I said last night, you don’t have to apologize for anything. Are you all right to pick out what you need now, or would you like to take a breather for a while? You can come back here whenever you’re ready, and I can show you around Halo House later, when you’re calmer.”