Blinded by tears, all logic gone, I pull my cell out of my jacket. Without thinking, I dial Jake’s number with shaking fingertips, tears coursing down my face, my nose running wildly. I can’t think straight; I need to feel grounded again and safe. I need to hear his voice. I need my Jake to do what he always does and bring me back from the brink of hysteria.

It rings twice, then he answers, even seeing it’s me.

“Hello.”

Oh my god, he answered.

I cradle the ...