Chapter 54

I run out into the open plan room and see the doors closing already, she’s inside with her back to me. A pile of boxes around her feet and she looks so god damn small, and fragile. That slim little body, holding herself in her own arms, vulnerable, rejected, unloved, like she did the first time I ever laid eyes on her. Closed up, broken, and alone.

I’m doing this to her. I’m pushing her out, making her leave me. My heart breaks at the sight of her and I’m fast on my feet, running for the doors, running against the hysteria consuming me. Needing to pull her out of that elevator to tell her I don’t mean any of it. To wrap her in my arms and make it all better for her. That’s my job! That’s my soul purpose in life; to be Sophie’s healer. To take care of her. I always said I would take care of her. I promised her that I would never leave her.

Why did I destroy all of that? Why did I lie?

I’m not fast enough and my voice sticks in my throat when I try to call to her, hi