William lit up instantly.
On the drive over, he kept talking
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately… reflecting on everything I did wrong. You were the best thing that ever happened to me, and I ruined it. I was an idiot, Susie. I know that now.”
“But at least–at least you’re willing to see Caleb. That means something, right? He’ll be so happy to see you.”
I leaned against the window, eyes closed.
“Shut up.”
He flinched.
Then, terrified I’d change my mind, he clamped his mouth shut.
At the Larson estate, Caleb sat completely still in a chair.
He wasn’t crying. He wasn’t talking
Just sitting there, clutching a ragged stuffed rabbit–one I distinctly remembered him throwing into the trash.
Somehow, at some point, he must’ve dug it back out.
The fabric was filthy, the stuffing exposed in places, but he held onto it like it was the most precious thing in the world.
+15 Bonus
William called his name twice.
No response.
Then, just as I thought he was completely lost, something shifted.
His dull, vacant eyes snapped into focus.
And the moment he saw me, he shot to his feet.
Too fast his legs tangled, and he stumbled, nearly face–planting on the floor.
