“I can’t—Teddy—” I claw at my chest, trying to free the words locked deep. But I can’t speak, can’t express this fear, this loss, this creeping anger that chokes the air from my lungs. Sensing my distress, Teddy steps closer. Grabbing my wrists, he lowers his voice. “Hey, just breathe.” I shake my head, fighting his hold. “Breathe, Karlsson. I know this all feels huge. So, let’s just break it down. One thing at a time, yeah? Right now, you need to compete with Bergdorf the grocer and the couple with the bees, right?” I nod. “You need stability and a two-person household—which I still maintain
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