“Charles.” My name is barked from down the hallway and I let him go instantly. He grabs my wrist and I let him this time. I want his touch branded into my skin. “Don’t go. You don’t have to leave with him.” His eyes plead with me to stay with him. I want to cry at how earnest he is. He means the words; he thinks it’s that simple. “I’ll be back on Sunday.” “No, stay.” Jeremy holds tighter to my wrist, demanding I defy my father. I damn near break when I tell him, “I can’t.” My words are small and quiet in the space between us.
