Page 89 of Before Dawn

He listened intently, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel. “That sounds incredibly hard, Red, but you’re strong for handling it.”

I smiled faintly. “Thanks. Most people don’t get it.”

“I want to,” he said softly.

I looked down, my voice quieter. “Is this pace too slow for you?”

“What?”

“Us. The pacing.”

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Anyone who rushes you doesn’t deserve you.”

My chest ached, but in the best way. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

He got out of the car and came around to open my door, helping me gather my things. “Thanks for the drive, the Chipotle, the snacks, and the cake,” I said as I stepped onto the sidewalk.

“My pleasure,amor.”41

I hesitated, before once again asking, “Why’d you leave Chicago early?”

“The girl I like wasn’t feeling well. Thought I’d make sure she was okay in person.”

I froze, his words sinking in. My heart raced as my mind started to spiral, but then he gently took my hand, bringing it to his lips.

“You deserve more than just a text,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. “Or a call.”

“Buenas noches,cariño.42”

I smiled, a little breathless. “I know that one.”

His chuckle was low, rich. “Sweet dreams.”

I stepped toward the door, then hesitated. “Aren’t you going to drive off?”

“Not until you’re inside.”

Something in my chest pulled tight—unexpected, lingering. I turned away before he could see it.

Once inside, I sent a quick ‘I’m in’text and barely blinked before his reply popped up.

I set the flowers in a vase, tucked the cake into the fridge, then collapsed onto the couch. But the moment I stilled, emotions crept in—thick, consuming. My stomach ached, my body drained, but my mind refused to quiet.

My phonebuzzed.

S:There’s a possibility you’ve already seen this, but I still wanted to share it.

S:I’m going to do more research when I get home.

A link followed. Remedies for endometriosis. Simple. Thoughtful.

The tears came, unchecked. But for once, they weren’t heavy.

Warning

The following chapter contains heavy mentions of mental health/physical health issues. Please refer to the content warning list to be reminded of any potential triggers. Your well-being is important to me, so please take care of yourself while reading.

---