Page 173 of Return Policy

Sophia interrupts me, finishing the sentence in a high-pitched and happy tone. “‘And what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice, ‘without pictures or conversations?’”

I chuckle and continue readingAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with Sophia occasionally taking over to perform her favorite parts.

“You still with me, Sunflower?” I ask halfway through the book. She doesn’t respond, her eyes closed and body completely relaxed in my arms. I place the book on the nightstand and reposition us so we’re lying down.

Kissing her temple, I mumble quietly against her skin, “And what is the point of life at all without the person you love?”

* * *

I’m sitting on a bus full of overly anxious football players on the way to the stadium in Glendale, Arizona. We’ve been practicing our asses off the last few days making sure we’re prepared for the beatdown we’re about to give Seth’s team in the bowl game tonight. My teeth grind, body tensing at the thought of seeing him.

You’ve gotta keep your cool, man.

Seth isn't messing up our lives any more than he already has.

He’s definitely going to screw with me today, and I’m already mentally preparing myself. Sophia will be cheering me on from the sidelines, and I don’t want any reason for her to feel anxious or afraid. I know it wasn’t easy to come to Arizona with the possibility of seeing Seth, but the girls insisted, and I can’t say I’m upset to know she’ll be in my arms after this game is over.

Staring down at my phone, I frown at the reality that the one person I’d call to relieve my anxieties is… gone.

It’s the first game I’m not going to be able to call my dad and leave him a voicemail. I know it shouldn’t bother me, and it was already ridiculous I did it so long… but I guess leaving those messages was my last lifeline. I finally get why Sophia was so devastated when Chloe’s room was gone.

Sometimes there are things we have, or things we do, that still connect us to the ones we’ve lost. Having that final connection taken away… it’s that last big “fuck you.”

“What time do the girls get in?” Theo asks, popping up from the seat behind me.

“They should land anytime now.”

I check my text thread with Sophia.

SUNFLOWER

Sunflower

Just landed

Me

Good, I didn’t like being in different time zones last night

Didn’t like? More like barely slept a damn wink.

Sunflower

How are you feeling?

Me

Nervous but excited

You doing okay?

Sunflower

Yes, I’m fine

And you guys got this

You’ve been practicing your asses off

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