Whiskey & Ribbons

by Leesa Cross-Smith

Grief radiates. Since Eamon was killed, my bones ache with sadness. There is a gritty black tea stain on my heart, every organ. But sometimes. Sometimes when I’m with Dalton, sometimes when Noah gives me his biggest smile—Eamon’s smile—sometimes the tea stain pales.

Family was a pact. Friendship was a pact. Love was a pact. Written in blood.