Release date: September 2022

He let out a choked sound and doubled over as if I had physically punched him. To him, it would feel that way. I hardened myself to the way he sank to his knees and stared up at me with his broken heart on his sleeve. “Please,” he whispered. I didn’t let myself react to the confusion and pain swimming in his eyes. It wasn’t your fault. But it had to happen this way.

I turned around and left, only sparing him one last glance before he was completely out of sight. He was still hunched over on the ground, his floppy hair shadowing his face. I saw a drop of water fall from his eyes. I forced my heavy body forward again. It had to happen this way.