“To the pieces of my heart,” Hayden started, his voice steady, but there was a roughness beneath. He paused and cleared his throat before continuing. 

“If you are reading this, then I have already left.

First, I am sorry.

I know apologizing does not change anything, but I still owe each of you one. I promised I wouldn’t disappear, and I broke that promise. I know that hurts, especially after everything that has happened these past few days.

Please believe me when I say this was not ...