A sob rips through Laiken. Her hand flies up to her mouth as she tries to hold it in, but there’s no use. It forces its way out and breaks her down in the process. All of this is catching up to her, and she has spent so long being strong, but she can’t anymore. “Lai,” Mali says sadly, trying to hold her. I can’t focus on what I’m doing as I watch the girl that I love fall back to exactly how she was right before she left. Cam comes over and takes the dustpan from me. “What?” He nods toward Laiken. “Go to her.” But I can’t. “It’s fine. Mali has her.” “You and I both know it’s not Mali she needs
...more
