Chapter 42. My Mistake?

Jake’s POV

We pulled up to her apartment, and she helped me out of the car, practically carrying me inside. I felt a wave of shame wash over me, but I was too far gone to resist.

She got me to the couch and sat me down, her eyes scanning my face. “Jake, you’re better than this,” she said softly. “You can’t let them break you.”

I managed a weak nod, the reality of my situation slowly sinking in. Rosa was right. I couldn’t let this destroy me. But right now, all I could do was try to survive the night.

“Stay here,” she said, standing up. “I’ll get you some water.”

I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and despair. She didn’t have to help me, but she did. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a way out of this darkness. With Rosa’s help.

She handed me a glass of water, and I gulped it down, feeling a slight clarity returning.

“Jake,” Rosa said, sitting down next to me. “...you’re not alone in this.”

I looked at h