Page 98 of You Can Make Me
“Because I can’t go with him.” That truth cracked something open in my chest, flooding me with sorrow. It was so powerful, it devastated me. I could not go with him, because as a truthseeker,I could cause harm to an entity that needed to be protected above all.
I didn’t understand its power or magic, but I knew this to be the case.
“I could lose him forever, either way,” I protested, my voice weak.
Denny’d had to make tough choices for me. He’d had to decide whether to take me from the rehab facility. He admitted he’d been afraid it would harm me, but he did what I wanted.
What wouldhewant?
“Walter,” I cried, looking around for him. “What would he want me to do?”
Walter wiped tears from his eyes. “The thing he’s wanted the most isyou. If this is the only way for that to happen…”
I turned to Dane and Kal. “You…do you promise they’ll keep him safe? He won’t be hurt? His body has been through so much.”
“No harm will come to him. Mr. Ame will see to it. He’ll be cared for.”
I knew what Kal said was true. Whatever this truthseeker bullshit was all about, I knew it would be selfish to deny this truth.
I looked at the stranger and immediately felt kindness and warmth emanating from him.
You have to let him go.
“Please. Look after him. He’s my everything.”
Everyone moved away from the gurney as the man stepped forward.
I bent to kiss Denny’s forehead.”I love you with all that I am. Please be safe. I’m sending my heart with you.”
Pokey unhooked Denny from his IV, the monitors, everything, and slid his hands under Denny’s damaged body. He lifted him like he weighed nothing and carried him toward thegate, with me hot on his heels. I touched Denny’s hair as the man reached the threshold of the carnival.
Be well, my love. Until we meet again…
Pokey carried Denny through the gate and under the banner.
Welcome, Traveler.
All the air left my lungs, and I collapsed in a sobbing heap.
The man with the hat stood under the banner.
“There are times when my responsibility weighs heavily upon my soul. It pains me to separate two who are as bonded as you. But some things in this universe are beyond the control of any being. Trust us to care for your beloved. Your sacrifice is the most powerful of all. Take solace in knowing that tonight, you have learned the ultimate truth—that love and sacrifice are the most important things, evenmorethan the truth. You will never walk alone as long as you continue to seek out truths. You are loved by those who walk beside you. Go in peace, Truthseeker.”
I was speechless. How was I supposed to answer any of that when my greatest love had just been ripped from my being?
The man took off his hat and bowed to me, and for a brief moment, I saw swirling colors in his eyes.
Then, just as in my dream, the vision of the carnival was yanked away like the snap of a rubber band.
And I screamed his name until my throat was raw and my rage permeated the air around us. Lightning cracked in the sky, so bright it made the others cry out. Thunder shook the ground beneath me, sending rocks and dirt scattering, and a relentless downpour began.
It wasn’t enough. Nature could never match the maelstrom in my soul.
He was taken from me, and no matter what I grasped at to place blame, the truth was right there in front of me.
He was gone.
Twenty-Five
