Page 57 of The Things That Hold Us

Charlie’s Antiques.

It's gone.

There’s no saving the structure of the building, let alone the merchandise inside.

I sit, and just cry. Not even bothering hiding it from everyone watching. There's so many people, but I don't care.

I just sit, and watch as Charlie’s Antiques burns.

Two hours pass, and I’m still sitting in the same chair, feeling completely numb.

“Miss?” a man says, and I look up.

“We put the fire out, but the building is unsafe to go in. I suggest leaving it how it is for a few days while we inspect, but it doesn't look like there's a good chance of saving it.”.

I just nod, unable to form words.

“Thank you, for everything.” I hear a deep voice from behind me say, and turn to see Logan sitting next to Cassie.

When did he get here?

The firemen nod, and head to their trucks.

That's it. There's nothing else to be done. They put the fire out, they did their job. Now they leave me with the broken pieces..

“Char, sweetie. Are you ok?’ Cassie asks, and I turn to look at her.

Her eyes are red and puffy, and there's streaks where tears have been running down her face.

“No.” I whisper, “I’m not.” I shake my head, and look back at my store.

My Charlie’s Antiques sign is now burnt, and half hanging off of the wall.

The windows are shattered.

I feel like I can physically feel my heart break more than it already was.

“This was the last piece of him that I had.” I cry. “This was it, and now it's gone.”

Cassie lets a tear slide down her face before wiping it away, and looks at Logan, whose eyes are glistening.

“I don’t have anything left of him, Cassie. Do you know how bad that hurts?”

She stands up, and comes over to me, giving me a big hug. She lets me cry until my eyes dry up, and there's nothing left.

“Hey. You might have lost the last thing you two shared,” she starts, “but he willalways, always be with you, in here, where it matters most.” she places a hand on my chest, and a sob escapes me.

God I miss him. I miss him so bad. I miss him every single day, but right now it hurts exceptionally bad.

This is unfair.

Logan watches us, his face somber and eyes glistening. I hate that I’m breaking down in front of him, but at the same time I know it's ok. I know he is the last person on the earth who would judge me.

“I just..If I don't have this shop, I’m scared I wont feel him.”

“Grief is ugly,” Logan starts, “You feel like the world is empty, and like a chunk of you is missing. I can't even begin to imagine the type of pain losing someone you love in that way feels, but I do know loss. And the only thing I can tell you is that everyday will hurt, but the person you love is always with you.”

“And we’re here to help on the days when it sucks. Like today.” Cassie says.

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