Page 60 of Our Little Moments

Ihadn’t expected to wake up and feel peace. But it was there—quiet and steady in my chest, like something I’d almost forgotten how to carry.

I quickly get dressed, put on my shoes, and step outside.

The air has a slight chill to it since the sun has barely started to rise. I walk quietly through the forest. I’m not used to walking to clear my head. I usually dive into work. Unease makes its way into my bones.

You can do things you aren’t comfortable with. You’re strong. You’ve got this.

I repeat this to myself with every step, trying to find comfort in the early morning. Eventually, my hands stop fidgeting and my overthinking starts to ease.

I don’t have to figure anything out just yet. I can take a minute to breathe.

A sniffling sound interrupts my thought. I halt to a stop. Did I just hear something?

The sniffling I thought I’d just heard echoes again in the forest.

I walk faster, looking for who’s crying. It’s so early in the morning. No one deserves to start the day with tears.

My heart aches when I see Adrian sitting cross-legged at the top of the bluff, eyes fixed on the horizon. I look back at the camping site and realize just how far we are.

I turn back to Adrian, walking slowly up to him. “Hi.”

He mutters a curse and wipes his eyes as I sit by his side. The area is rocky and it’s far from comfortable to sit on, but Adrian Westwood iscrying.

I gently grab his hand and move it from his face. “You don’t have to hide your emotions. Not with me.”

A smile peaks through his face.Good.

I cover his hand with mine and stay with him. I want him to know he isn’t alone in this. Whatever he is going through, I’m here.

His palm shakes beneath mine and I rub my thumb over it, hoping to soothe him however I can.

Silence passes by until he takes in a shaky breath.

“I lost my parents when I was barely fifteen. The loss is already hard enough with just having to exist. Every day I wish they were here with me, that I could hear their laugh one more time, get one more hug, ask for advice again. They were the greatest people I’ve ever known. They inspired me every day. It’s already hard enough to go through the grief. But . . . My parents helped make this town what it is today, Stella. I see themeverywhere. I can’t escape this grief. I’m stuck.”

I run my fingers up and down his arm, my eyes tearing up. I wish I could do something for him. I’d do anything. But thething isyou can’t. When someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, there’s nothing you can do to fix it. I went through it and, looking back, there’s nothing my friends or family could have done to make what I was going through better.

The only thing you can do is be there and make sure they know they’re loved and that they don’t have to go through it alone.

Adrian turns his hand and intertwines his fingers with mine.

I squeeze his hand, letting him know,I’ve got you.

Adrian

Grief is a part of life that never quite leaves. There are times where the loss feels easier to carry, but the hard times are crushingly heavy.

Today is one of those hard days.

I can’t help but wonder if things would be different if Mom and Dad were still around. I think they would be. I’d be a better brother, one who can set an example worth following. Isabella wouldn’t be so terrified of loss. Layla and Hazel would have gotten the childhood they deserved.

I miss you. I wish you were here. I need you.

Stella squeezes my hand again. Despite the grief and sadness overwhelming me, I can’t help but smile. She’s been there for me in ways no one has been in the last few months she came into my life. God, I can’t believe I didn’t know she existed before she came here.

You know you can trust her.

“Adrian . . .” Stella whispers. “I know what it’s like not to want to worry anyone. I know what it’s like to carry burdens alone. I don’t want you to do that.Not. With. Me.”

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