Nate escorted me into the house, and without a word, he closed the door behind him. I walked straight to the shower, stripping off my clothes. I stood under the scalding water, hoping to rid myself of the chill that hadn't left me since I'd jumped into the river. It had rooted itself in my bones...down to my very core.
When the hot water was gone, so was my will to stand. I walked naked to my bed, dropping my lifeless body onto the mattress.
Nate blocked the bedroom door. "You want me to stick around?"
"You want to watch me sleep?"
"I'll be back later. If you need me, call. Your cell's on the nightstand. I charged it when they gave me your shit."
"Yeah. Thanks."
"Hey, Bastian?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm still here, man. Don't leave me again."
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded my u
