I don’t even remember the drive from Orla’s house to mine. I think my body drove on instinct. By the time I unlock the door and get Pudding his heart pills, I notice my hands are shaking. It occurs to me that this is the sort of situation where a person would call a parent or a best friend for advice.

I don’t even know how to name the feelings that are choking me right now. I certainly can’t burden my mother with this information and the ...