Logan's POV
We're back in Eastvale, driving down the same familiar streets back to the estate. Rain streaks across the windows, silver rivulets catching the glow of the streetlamps as we pass. I recognize every curve of this road, every tree bent under the drizzle. Each one whispers the same truth: in a few minutes, after three days of being apart, I'll be seeing Noah again.
I picture the moment I'll see him in my head like the climax of a movie. I'll hug him and kiss him and breathe him in while he clings to me. I'll lift Oliver up on my shoulders and watch his eyes light up as I show him the new toys and sweets I got for him. I'll feel whole again. For those precious few moments, I'll feel whole again.
And then I'll leave them.
The thought lands with heavy, fold finality like a stone in my chest.
"I'm not ready," I'd told Caleb. "I don't think I'll ever be ready for something like that."
But I'll do it anyway.
