Page 78 of Beautiful Small Things

“Will you think less of me?” I ask through heaving sobs.

“Oh, Sweetie,” she starts, “Never. I’m so proud of you for going, but you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

“But—“

“Come. Home.”

Suddenly the weight of the world eases off my chest. I nod and sniffle, and smile all at the same time.

I’m going home.

Chapter thirty-two

The Spark

Marcus - Age 31

Callan: What are you doing today?

Marcus: Not much. Why?

Callan: Come over.

Marcus: Is everything alright?

Callan: Yep. Just come over.

That’s vague and slightly ominous, but Callan wouldn’t ask if he didn’t need something.

I pull up thirty minutes later, and my best friend is standing outside waiting for me.

“Hey,” he says, approaching the car. “Thanks for coming.”

“No problem. What’s going on?” I ask, stepping out of the car.

“First, I need you to promise not to make this situation worse,” he says with a stern look on his face.

“When have I ever made a situation worse?” I ask.

He remains silent and looks at me with disbelief.

“OK. I do that a lot,” I admit. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“James is here.”

My heart skips a beat in my chest.

“Is she OK? Why is she home?” I say rapidly.

“She’s fine,” he says, holding up his hand. “She has had enough of New York.”

I nod, my mind instantly shifting to what this might mean for us.

“I’m happy. I’m even happier she’s home,” I admit. “What brought this about?”

“Apparently, she was giving herself until now to decide. Then a couple of weeks ago, Iris helped her make her decision.”

“How?” I ask in disbelief.