“I love you, Blake.” He rocked from side to side, an act leaning toward playful. Then, he said, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t be sad. Don’t be worried. It will be okay.” My heart stopped with the eerie tone in his voice. “What?” “Don’t be sad. Don’t be worried. It—” “No, I heard you,” I pushed away and gripped his shoulders in my hands, “but what are you talking about?” Jake smiled and mimicked me, pressing his palms to my arms. “Don’t be sad. Don’t—” “What’s gonna happen, buddy?” Then, just as quickly as the smile appeared, it vanished. There was nothing left of his happiness, and all that
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