Evan felt lighter today. Lighter than he had in a long time. Talking to Kari had been terrifying, but also freeing. She had listened to him without judgment, making him feel seen in a way he hadn’t in longer than he cared to admit. She hadn’t questioned sleeping in his bed, getting changed after dinner, or walking into his room without knocking. It had been bliss holding her while he fell asleep. She hadn’t come to comfort him from a nightmare or to soothe her own anxiety over the attack. She had come simply because she wanted to.
After breakfast, he headed to the hospital to get his stitches removed. Kari had wanted to come too, but George had asked that she attend training since he was rolling out some of the changes Evan had suggested. Evan wanted to be there as well, but obviously he
