Chapter 26

I take in my tired, pale reflection and sigh again as Janetta fusses around in the lounge laying out my clothes. She offered to come with me to my show after she found me crying, and I told her why I was so upset. She tried to defend him. Of course, she would, as she adores the very ground he walks on, much like most people who know him. I block her out. Just so low, deflated, and empty.

It feels like going to graduation and having none of your loved ones show up for you. Or a birthday bash in which your best friend doesn’t show face.

I told her it was okay. I would rather face this alone, get it done, and come home and avoid the after-party. The biggest moment in my year just became something I must endure, and I wish I didn’t have to go. I want it to be over and done so I can forget it all.

There’s a knock on the door, even though it’s only eight am, and I look around in confusion from my open bedroom door. Janetta toddles up towards the door as I wait with a hel