pull into our driveway. Sometimes, he' d wake before dawn on Monday, just to have a few extra hours with me befor

udden, terrifying fever that left me gasping for breath. My f

hospital clinging to me. A figure was slumped in the chair beside my

How could he be here? He was supposed

and, startling me. He stirred, his eyes f

h emotion. He squeezed my hand tighter. "I t

ed, my throat still

s more than you. I drove all night. I couldn't stay away." He pulled me into a fierce

beautiful lie I ever heard. In that moment, I knew, with every f

town life-I left it all behind to move to the city, to be with him,

ing Alex waiting for me, I found him in the arms of another woman-Ivy, my best frien

nd escaping my lips. It felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest, leaving a gaping, bloody void. All the beautiful sandcast

t and unsure, brought me cr

he one Alex had made for me in high school. It was wher

d spent countless afternoons laughing, sharing secret

e and unnervingly earnest. "You were always so good to me, Clarisa. Y

back at me, her gaze resolute.

ng hand, she o