Page 105 of Through the Storm

“He’s doing his job,” Wyatt says. “Poorly trained, but very committed.”

Ella narrows her eyes. “Hey! He’s a certified therapy dog, thank you very much. A very distinguished professional.”

I exhale something that might almost be a laugh.

“I just wanted to do it right.” My voice roughens. “I wanted to be enough.”

Ella doesn’t hesitate. “You are more than enough, Ben.”

Wyatt nods once. “That was never the question. She’s just going through a lot right now.”

After a moment, I ask, “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

Ella leans her head against my shoulder. “Not right now. But eventually she will be. Remember when you said this to me?”

I swallow, because I did say this to her during her lowest moment. “Yeah.”

Wyatt stands, drains the rest of his beer, and taps the back of the couch once as he passes.

“This isn’t the end. It just feels like it because you’re standing in the middle of it.” Then he disappears down the hall like a man who knows when he’s said enough.

Danny lets out a long sigh and presses closer.

“Okay. And while we wait for the eventually, do you want snickerdoodles or chocolate chips?”

“Both,” I pout miserably.

“You got it.” She disappears into the kitchen.

I take a breath. The tightness in my chest eases. It’s not gone, but it’s manageable.

And for now, that’s enough.

KATY

Grandma Patty has been standing outside my bedroom door for two hours trying to get me to let her in or to tell her what’s wrong. All Imanage to do is hiccup between sobs that I’m okay.

“How long has she been like this?” I hear Declan ask quietly.

Grandma Patty doesn’t bother whispering. “Long enough.”

“Has she said anything?”

“She said that she’s okay,” Grandma replies. “That she just needs a minute.” Her voice sharpens. “She’s been saying that for two hours.”

Another broken sound escapes me before I can stop it. No words come out. Just pure heartbreak.

“Do you know what might have happened?”

Grandma sighs. “No idea. I came home and she was already locked inside her room.”

“Who was she with earlier?” His tone turns sharp.

“I think she was with Ben.”

Another quiet sob slips out of me. I hate that I’m making them worry.

“I don’t like this,” Declan mutters.