Chapter 8: Never a Weight
I reached for her hand.
For a second, she stared at my fingers like she did not know whether she was allowed to take them anymore.
That hurt more than I deserved to admit.
So I closed the distance myself.
I took her hand gently, careful of the bruises near her wrist, and held it with a grip that promised I was not going anywhere.
“You were never a weight, Emma.”
My voice was thick, nearly unrecognizable.
“You were my home. And I am so sorry I left you to face this by yourself.”
Her eyes filled slowly.
Not dramatically.
Not all at once.
Just enough for me to see how tired she was of being strong.
“Nathan,” she whispered.
“I know I don’t have the right to ask for anything,” I said. “I know papers were signed. I know I failed you when it mattered.”
I swallowed hard.
“But let me show up now.” Continue Reading ⬇️