Page 83 of The Drummer

She takes a deep breath, debating. “I…”

“Read it,” I say before she goes down the self-doubt spiral. “I want to hear it, too.”

She passes a look between us and finally gives in.

Damn, she seems nervous, and as she starts to read, I feel bad for pressuring her. She’s clearly uncomfortable with this, and it’s my fault for pushing her. There’s a fine line between encouragement and bullying, and I’m afraid I’ve crossed it.

She stops suddenly.

“No. That’s not it. I’m starting over.”

Standing a little straighter, she transforms into a different woman right before our eyes. This is the woman brave enough to approach a complete stranger in a diner to save his life.

She glances at me, and I offer the most supportive look I can.After a quick evaluation of Luke as well, she launches into the poem again.

This time with the confidence and grace of someone who believes in their art.

“I could have told you everything would be alright.

I could have told you it gets easier the harder you try.

But I couldn’t lie to you, even though I’d die for you.

And I could have told you instead of just holding you.

But what could I say that my eyes haven’t already said?

And what words could heal the wounds that bleed like this?

How many tears will it take to drown away the pain?

I don’t know, but I can hold you.

And I could have taken you far away from here.

But where would that leave you? It’d be the same even there.

I won’t hide you, even though I’d like to.

And I could have spoken instead of just loving you.

But what could I say that my eyes haven’t already said?

And what words can heal the wounds that break us?

How many tears will it take to drown away the pain?

I don’t know, but I can hold you. I can love you.

I can hold you.”

Fuck.

A loud silence replaces her voice. The haunting words echo around us. Callie looks terrified as she watches Luke. He looks like he’s been punched in the stomach.

This must be related to what happened in the office yesterday, and whatever it is has cut fast and deep.

“Can I see that?” Luke asks quietly, surprising all of us.

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