If We Disappear Here

by Mindy Hayes

“What’s your favorite book?” Ledger looks at me like I have antlers growing out of my head. “You must not be a big reader.” “Why do you say that?” “Because an avid reader can’t pick just one favorite.”

Every day without Becca, my heart struggles for beats. But somehow, when I wake and remember she’s gone, the sight of Maeve keeps blood pumping through my veins. Maeve is my life support. And when she bleeds, so do I.

“There’s not much time left, and I have to say this.” Before I can object, she cuts me off. “If this is the end, I’m grateful it was you with me and not someone else. It could’ve been anyone else, but it was you, Ledger. It was you. And that’s the one beautiful thing in this endless nightmare.”

Maybe in another life.”

“In another life.”

“I still love you in this life, Goldie.”

My heart weeps, demanding answers from my brain. Why? Why did we have to fall for him? Why? my brain replies, like I should already know. Because he’s Ledger Abbott. He’s the moon at midnight, the lifeboat in a hurricane. He’s the reason we’re still breathing. He’s home.

But it doesn’t slip my notice, Ashton’s mouth never once touches my scars.

“I’m done living with this ache that never surrenders.” Maeve rubs her chest. “This ache that only goes away when I’m with you.”