Alyssa

My chest is tight as I sit beside Mason, thinking about his story, replaying every heartbreaking detail. No wonder he's so guarded, so closed off. He's been through so much, and all I want to do is hold him longer, like somehow my touch could chase away all the pain he's been carrying for so long. Gaining the trust of these guys, hearing their stories, their secrets, things that I'm absolutely sure they wouldn't share with anyone else—it means the world to me.

I glance ...