Ice-cold eyes level on me, seeing too much. “I used to isolate myself. Look out for others but never myself. It’s a lonely way to live.” Don’t I know it. Success, failure—those are transient states. Fear can throw you for a loop. But loneliness digs its claws in like nothing else. You can be surrounded by friends and still sink into loneliness. It’s fucking awful6. “Sophie teach you that?” I quip, ignoring the dark abyss of that emotion. Scottie’s lips curl slightly. “No, mate. You did.”
