Page 110 of Through the Storm

This is about you being a dramatic little hermit who needs some sunlight.

I hesitate.

Me

I’m not ready.

The response is slower this time. More careful.

Ella

Ready for what?

I don’t answer.

Because if I say it out loud, it becomes real.

Rebecca

Katy.

Rebecca

You don’t have to decide anything today.

Rebecca

You just have to see the sunlightfor an hour.

I close my eyes.

I picture them standing outside. Ella with that soft, stubborn patience. Rebecca with her sunglasses and confidence and terrifying emotional accuracy.

I want to see them.

I’m just scared of what they’ll see in me.

Me

I can’t promise I won’t cry.

Ella

Perfect. I’ll bring tissues.

Rebecca

I’ll bring sarcasm. It balances it out.

A beat passes.

Rebecca

Katy?

Me

Yeah?