Sara Michaels
I closed the door behind me very softly so Mom wouldn’t wake up again. My back pressed against the wood for a second. Breathing felt heavy. Too heavy.
The hallway lights were too bright and my eyes still burned from crying. I wiped my face with both sleeves even though I knew it was useless. The tears had already left marks.
Kingsley was still leaning on the wall opposite the door with his arms crossed and head slightly tilted back like he was resting but the moment I stepped out his eyes opened. Straight to me. No questions or pity words. Just that quiet look he always gave.
I walked toward him slowly. My legs felt like they belonged to someone else.
He pushed off the wall when I got close, he didn’t say anything at first. Just fell into step beside me like it was the
