Page 78 of Quietly Falling

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Selfish.

So many things that don’t matter when justice for my sister is on the line.

Justice for Lauren.

And Mason.

And me.

Because so many of us had suffered in that house.

No more.

Flipping on the turn signal, I make the right into the parking lot and find a space in the back, killing the engine before pulling out my phone.

BODHI: I made it

ELLA: You are incredible and strong and so damn brave

ELLA: You can do this

BODHI: I’ll text you after

A screenful ofthe kissing face emoji stare back at me, a ghost of a smile crossing my lips before disappearing as I push out of the car.

BODHI: I’m here

MASON: I wish you would’ve let me come

MASON: I would have sat in the car

BODHI: I know. I just—I need to do this myself

BODHI: You’re in a good place with Lana and the kids—you don’t need to relive this

MASON: And you’re not in a good place?

BODHI: I need the closure

BODHI: Ella deserves that as much as I do

MASON: Then do it and call me when you’re done.

MASON: Don’t shut me out

MASON: Promise me

BODHI: I promise

MASON: Be easy

BODHI: Easy and free

It’sthe last message I send before pocketing my phone and walking across the pavement, my boots making a dull thudding sound as I go. Each step is harder than the last, my legs like pulling lead weights through sand.

But I keep going.

You can do this.

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