Page 118 of Through the Storm

That makes me almost cry. I stare down at my glass again. “I don’t want to ruin his life.”

Rebecca’s voice softens. “How could you possibly do that? You’re amazing, Katy.”

I laugh weakly. “Tell that to my parents.”

Ella’s jaw tightens. “They don’t get a vote.”

Silence settles between us. Heavy, but not unkind.

Finally, I whisper the truth I’ve been trying not to say out loud. “I love him so much.” My voice shakes. “That’s why I let him go.”

Ella reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Sometimes, love isn’t letting someone go. Sometimes it’s letting someone stay and love you.”

BEN

Katy still won’t talk to me. She hasn’t answered a single text or call. I stare at my phone like it might magically buzz somehow.

It doesn’t. The screen stays blank, my last message sitting there with its pathetic littleDeliveredunderneath.

I type. Delete. Type again.

Ben

Katy, all I want to do is say goodbye.

Ben

Camp starts tomorrow. It’s going to get crazy.

Ben

I’d really love to see you. Please.

I watch the screen.

Nothing.

I set the phone down, pace the length of the living room, then pick it back up like I didn’t just do this five minutes ago.

Still nothing.

The house is quiet tonight. Leo and Mateo are out, Jack’s at his weekly dinner with Ella, and the silence presses in until my thoughts get loud.

I try again.

Ben

Even if it’s just a hug.

The second I hit send, I regret it.

Ten minutes later, still nothing.

I drop onto the couch and scrub a hand over my face. Declan’s warning to give her space echoes in my head whether I want it to or not.

I told him I would, and I meant it. But this doesn’t feel like space. It feels like… disappearing.

My phone buzzes.