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by Jennifer Hartmann

“You can’t think about the what-ifs,” I told her, veering back to her original statement, our steps in perfect rhythm. “That’s the shit that will end up killing you. It’ll override everything you’ve learned, all your logic, training, and basic instincts. Fear is a disease. It’s paralyzing. The only antidote is believing in your resilience. Every challenge is a chance to prove your strength.”

Why do you care? Why does it matter? Why won’t you evaporate into thin air, float into somebody else’s atmosphere, and let me finally breathe without choking on the idea of you?

This man had just risked everything for me. Everything. And I wasn’t even his.

He was careful, and I only wished he’d be that careful with my heart.

“Every moment with you fucking hurts.” His voice was pure grit, words cracking and breaking. “Every moment without you…hurts so much more.”

Reed had given me a lifeline. But I wanted a lifetime.