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“I’m sure there were other options”

My father’s not a duht I could have found soe son of another man, someone, anyone other than her But I’m a selfish prick I wanted her I wanted her forced to be there with me

“She wants to leave me” I tell him

He purses his lips for a ed the topic, before he becomes more sympathetic “I’m sorry”

“I have to let her go” I scrub a hand down my face “So, if she doesn’t want to stay after Doc patches her up we have to let her go, okay?”

“She s “She seemed worried”

Hope sparks in my chest Was she worried for me?

“She’s probably worried about her brother, I’ for his rehab” I shake off the comment

“Maybe” He agrees “Or maybe she’s worried about you, hmm?”

I don’t sleep at all They moved me to a tiny cell in the police station that was already croith other men There's a shared toilet, sink, and benches I’ when they come to take me to court

I change into a fresh suit s me It doesn’t help much My eyes are bloodshot, I’m unshowered, and I feel like shit Even a suit can’t hide that

I’ to dehumanize me further

“Gian?” I whisper to my father once we’re seated in the courtroom

“He’s co” He answers

All at once the door of the courtroos open and in walks my brother followed by Annie I don’t expect to see her Honestly, I didn’t expect to ever see her again