Release (Release #1)

by Aly Martinez

“How did you get up there?” I asked. “I climbed.” “Wow, okay. Awesome. Thanks for the details.” “What kind of details do you need with that?” “Uh, maybe how you did it. There are no branches.”

Together, we sat on that curb as the entire world carried on around us, but for the first time in months, the loneliness wasn’t killing me. Because he was there. Ramsey was always there.

I didn’t know it then, but that day, Ramsey Stewart saved my life.

His tall, lanky frame went solid as I wrapped my arms around his waist and pinned his arms to his sides. “What the hell are you doing?” “Hugging you,” I mumbled into his chest. “Yeah, I got that. But why?” “Because you won’t tell me what’s going on, so I’m just doing it and hoping it will help.” He squirmed in my grip. “Let me go.” “Nope.” “Thea, I’m serious.” “I am too. You need a hug. I’m giving you a hug. Just accept it.” He blew out a ragged breath, but after a second, his body sagged.

“Come on. Flutter up, Sparrow. We ain’t got all night.” I didn’t hesitate another second before I dropped my crutches and hopped onto his back.

“Where’s the gum?” “What?” She pointed to the trash can. “Where’s the gum I gave you last night?” Chewed up and flushed down the toilet, every goddamn piece. “I don’t fucking know. Maybe Nora took the trash out.”

Hurt swirled in my stomach, but I didn’t let it show. “See, now I’m not sure what to do. You blinked three times.” He stared at me, angry and unimpressed. But while he was doing it…he blinked. “Oh, okay. There we go. One blink.”