Aspen
I press my hands to my face, trying to hold it together.
Trying not to fall apart.
“I don’t know if I’m doing this right,” I whisper.
Havoc doesn’t interrupt.
Doesn’t try to fix it.
“I’m supposed to be strong for him,” I say, my voice breaking. “For Dylan… for Grandpa…”
A tear slips free.
“I’m all they have.”
The words feel too big.
Too heavy.
“And what if that’s not enough?”
Silence.
Then, softer—
“What if I fail them?”
I turn away from the men.
From the danger.
From everything I don’t understand.
And find Dylan.
Because he’s the only thing that makes sense.
He looks at me like I can fix this.
Like I always do.
And God help me—
I have to be that for him.
Even when I don’t feel strong.
Even when I’m terrified.