Jaxon

The world was still dark when I stepped outside. The air had that heavy chill that comes before dawn—quiet, cold, and full of everything I couldn’t say out loud.

I closed the door as gently as I could behind me. My hands were trembling, but not from the cold. My mind had been a blur since last night. I didn’t sleep. I couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face when her dad said I’m dropping you off at your mom’s.

I didn’t even take my car. I didn’t want ...