“Sophs?” Guilt consumes me, and my need to always heal her is the overriding emotion. I want to wipe this away, fix it, be honest, and talk it out properly. She looks so alone and vulnerable, even under the tough exterior, the way I hate her looking. My heart constricts in my chest, yet I am powerless. I am torn between doing what is right and what my gut wants to do.

“Just go. You’re only making it worse.” She sounds cold, and I hesitate about going to her. Her slight frame ...