9
A handful of words.
That's all we said to one another, but they keep replaying in my head.
Does she really not realize how things are, or is it a game to try and get me back on her side?
It's impossible to tell anything with her these days.
I subconsciously rub the scar above my right eye. It's the only visible one I have from those times, but the invisible ones mark deeper.
I can't go back there. I promised everyone who picked up the pieces. I promised myself.
A hand wraps around my wrist and pulls it away from my head.
"Don't even think about it."
I look up at my brother. The worry scrawled across his face is like a slap to my own. He's not a worrier; nothing bothers him. And yet…
"I'm not," I protest, looking down, unable to look him in the eye.
"She fucks you over, dude. Every. Single. Time."
I look around, checking we're alone.
"I'm doing my best, Em," I confide.
"And what if your best isn't enough? Because I hate to say it, but I've seen your resolve crumble too many times already."
What can I say?
"If she hurts you again, I'll haul her out of town and back onto a plane to Phoenix myself."
Em stands and strides away, leaving his promise hanging in the air.
~S~