versity of Colorado Boulder. He

itious even then. But her eye

nsity and cheap charm. He played Sarah like one of

iable friend. He' d picked up the pieces

ly after Jules vanished, heading to LA f

d photos of Michael on social media, always keeping her online pr

red back into Denver. Broke, c

aptivated again. Jules spun her a tale of a comeback, and she, e

. And, Michael now su

take a break from work during

, Mike," she' d said. "I ca

eir baby on hold. Pe

sister, had always been skep

that guy, Mike," Emily ha

words echoed

ays after the hospital. The baby gifts were gone, r

," Michael admitted, the words tasting like ash. "I didn't

rotect yourself. This isn't just about a bad decis

iving

And now this... this unspeakable act." Emily leaned forward. "I know you love her,

' d built his life around Sarah,

s romanticized memories of Jules, her subtle distancing,

ne-way street. He' d been

e, artistic flame

cold, hard knot in his