Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
HOME
Omar
The alarm beeps to indicate that the front door has been opened. “Jules?” I run down the stairs and find her standing there, staring up at me—soaked to the bone and shivering and so beautiful that I lose my breath.
“Where have you been?”
“Walking.” She shudders. “I’m so cold. Can I come home, please?” Her voice trembles, and each word is punctuated by a sharp inhale.
“Beat, come here.” I grab her and tug her into my arms. She wraps her sodden body around me like a vise, so tight it hurts my ribcage, and lets out a wail so keening and cacophonous that I know it’s been building for a long, long time.
“I’m so sorry, Omar. For everything. I love you. I understand if you can’t forgive me, but please know that what I feel for you is real. I painted myself into a corner. But I’ve done what’s right. I’m so, so sorry.” She goes on apologizing for perceived wrongs and grievances, and I don’t interrupt until she’s said it all.
Only when her tears and her words run dry do I speak. “I know you’re sorry. I forgive you. I’m sorry I left like that. And this is your home. I am your home. Everything is going to be okay. I promise.”