Page 162 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“You should…” Ody’s voice wavered. “I deserve it.”

Steve shut his eyes. “Listen to me. Breathe. I’m coming over, alright? Twenty minutes.”

“No.” It came out sharp. “Don’t come. I won’t open the door. I just… I need to be alone.”

“Ody, just—”

The line cut.

“Fuck!”

Mano woke up on the cold floor. The empty whiskey bottle lay beside him. His head pounded. The second he pushed himself up, nausea hit, and he barely made it to the bathroom before throwing up again.

He hadn’t eaten. His body felt wrecked, heavy, unsteady. By the time he made it back to the couch, he could barely keep his eyes open.

The phone started ringing. He stared at the ceiling, letting it ring. It didn’t stop.

With a groan, he picked it up. “Yeah.”

“Mano, listen to me.”

He frowned. “Who’s this?”

“Are you fucking serious? It’s Steve. Listen.”

Mano dragged a hand over his face, trying to focus.

“Ody told Anna everything,” Steve rushed out. “He’s not himself. He’s saying insane shit. I’m scared he might do something stupid.”

Mano’s head buzzed.

“I hate saying this,” Steve went on, breath uneven, “but you’re the only one who can get through to him right now.”

“What?” Mano rasped.

“Are you deaf?” Steve snapped. “He’s talking about how he deserves to suffer, all that crap. I’m telling you, something’s not right.”

That was enough. Mano pushed himself up too fast. The room tilted.

“You hear me?” Steve pressed.

“Yeah. Hang up.” His voice came out rough, but he was already moving.

Shoes. Keys. Door. He didn’t think.

The cab ride blurred together. Mano leaned his head back, eyes drifting shut, then snapping open as the dizziness hit. Everything swayed.

“We’re here,” the driver said.

Mano didn’t respond. He reached for the door.

“Hey. You haven’t paid.”

He fumbled with his wallet, pulled out the first bill he touched, and handed it over without looking.

“Your change—”

The door slammed.