Page 103 of Falling Into Forever
Dante’s arms reach past me and pull her tiny body out of the water. Their lips are moving but I can’t hear anything.
Why wasn’t I holding her hand? Why did he leave her with me? Why did he trust me?
The world around me is dim, and her muted laughter yanks all the strength from my muscles. I sink to my ass when my knees can’t hold me up anymore, then Lilly is taking Poppy by the hand, and I succumb to the full-body tremor.
I’m so cold.
Dante pulls me into his lap, rocking, and presses my head to his heart.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
It beats steadily against my ear. Each strong beat is a reminder that I couldn’t have saved Poppy.
Why didn’t I learn to swim?
My mind is a vicious vessel for horrible memories trying to suck away every ounce of happiness I have. And I hate it. I hate it so much that my mind betrays me like this. I hate myself for allowing it to happen.
“Oh, Sayls. I should have told you that she’s been taking swimming lessons since she was six months old. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
She can swim. Babies can swim. She can swim.
My breaths are short, harsh puffs of air.
An event that lasted less than a minute has burned itself into my soul for eternity, and every fiery image brands me like a hot poker.
Failure.
She could have died, and it would have been my fault.
“Shit.” Grady’s grumble comes from somewhere behind us. “She already saw the article?”
Dante shifts quickly and dislodges my head from his chest, so I push against the wood and sit up. He continues to hold me tight, and the dark cloud seeping into my mind stays on the periphery, but life is still happening around me. I’m a voyeur, watching it all from outside.
“It’s okay, Sass. It’s been a long time, and his father is still in jail. It will all be fine after…”
Rubbing my temples, I replay Grady’s words. Between Poppy and whatever Grady’s talking about, nothing makes sense. My head is fuzzy, and the dizziness is already settling in.
Get your shit together, Sassy. My internal pep talks could use some work.
“Deep breaths, Sassafras. You’ve got this.”A chill ghosts down my spine, but it doesn’t make me cold—it’s more like a gentle hand caressing my back and this time, I do hear Shannon’s voice.
“What are you talking about?” Dante’s voice is eerily calm.
Grady turns a shade of white I’ve never seen on him. “You haven’t seen the article?”
“My phone’s inside.” Dante stands and hauls me up with him. His arm wraps protectively around my shoulders.
Grady looks ill, and whatever he’s talking about suddenly feels terrifying.
“Be strong, Sass. Be strong.”
“Shan?” It’s stupid and inane, but I still search my surroundings for my dead sister.
Dante and Grady share an expression of concern and seem to come to a silent understanding that has them ushering me toward the house without a word.
“What happened?” Grady asks.
“Poppy went in the water,” Dante says gruffly. “She didn’t know Poppy can swim.”
