KAEL
I hadn't moved.
Not really.
I'd woken up hours ago, maybe more, but all I'd done was stare at the ceiling. My eyes burned, dry and sleep-starved, but I didn't blink. Just laid there, jaw clenched, heart still.
It was the same every year.
July 30th.
The day everything fucking stopped.
I told myself last night, no drinking today. Not for me. For Ivan. I wouldn't show up reeking of bourbon and regret. I wouldn't disrespect the only person who ever loved me without wanting anything in return.
But damn, it was hard.
My fingers twitched for a glass that wasn't there. I kept thinking about the cabinet. How easy it would be to…
Buzz.
My phone.
I glanced at it reluctantly.
Erin: Don't forget about today 💫 I'll pick you up if you're too moody to drive yourself.
A faint huff escaped my throat. Not quite a laugh. Not quite anything. But I typed back anyway.
Me: That won't be necessary.
I threw the covers off. My body ached. My back cracked. My legs felt like lead.
