“You don’t have to take care of me,” I say firmly. “This isn’t your fault, and I’m not your burden.” His eyes darken as his jaw clenches, and I worry he’s going to blurt something in front of my parents that’ll cross the line. But then he leans in close to my ear and murmurs, “You will never be a burden to me, Goldie. I would give up the privilege of breathin’ if it meant takin’ an ounce of your pain away.”
