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I couldn’t hurt him. Not when he was already hurting so much, the pain so tangible in his eyes, I wished I could grab it and burn it.
I knew Vincent would die, and I’d felt like a traitor for keeping it to myself.
He’d come to me.
One of the most important people in his life had died, and he’d come to me.
“I… I don’t know what to tell Tessie.” He opened his mouth to speak. Closed it. Opened it again, then shook his head and stared me down. “I need you to help me forget.”
Instead of telling him the truth, instead of confronting our demons, I met him at the door and let him use me to heal.
No words.
Just us.
And neither of us were ready to confront why he was here instead of with his family.
Chapter
Thirty-Three
Our duty is to do our best to keep on living. Even if our lives are not perfect.
HARUKI MURAKAMI
BASTIANO ROMANO
Days Missing
Days Too Late: 1
“Open up, Bastian.”
I heard Gio behind the door, but I ignored him.
I could picture his face—identical to Uncle Vince’s—pressed against the Diospyros wood that cost more than his soul.
If ever there was a time I wished money could buy shit that actually mattered…
Gio continued, “Your girlfriend is worried. She says you won’t come out of bed.”
Ariana wouldn’t tell Gio anything.
I kept my mouth shut, knowing he’d go away.
Staring at the ceiling, I warred with whether to push memories of Vincent away or draw them nearer.
Away, I decided as Gio’s footsteps retreated.
Chapter
Thirty-Four
The real duty of man is not to extend his power or multiply his wealth beyond his needs, but to enrich and enjoy his imperishable possession: his soul.
GILBERT HIGHET
BASTIANO ROMANO
