Seth almost laughed at Rose’s obstinate expression. Of course she wouldn’t leave, she was as stubborn as anyone he knew. Maybe even more stubborn than Lizzie, which was saying something.
His head pounded, and he wished he could drink until he blacked out. Too bad he only had a few beers in his fridge. Maybe he could go to the corner store…
He doubted alcohol could banish the thoughts replaying over and over in his mind: the sound of the fireworks; the smell of blood filling his nostrils; the heat of sand; the screams. Past and present had blurred until he couldn’t decipher which was which. He’d never lost himself so completely before, and God Almighty, it terrified him.
And then he’d knocked Rose to the floor without even knowing he was doing it.
She wasn’t hurt, thank God, but he felt
