Shadows Between Us

still recovering from the crash-sharp aches in his ribs reminded him of every mistake, every failure. A slight limp in his step betrayed his usu

clad mourners inside. The warmth within was palpable, even from here, but it wasn't for him. It never was. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket,

eting moment as he exhaled. He hadn't expected to

ried her. Her hazel eyes, her delicate frame wrapped in black, her hands clasped tightly together like she was holding herself together by sheer will. He could see the st

go-the day they'd said their vows. Chloe had looked at him like he was the only man in the world, her soft brown hair curling over her shoulde

t the darkness. How many nights had he replayed that smile in h

e had left her for her own good-or at least, that's what he told himself.

een his fingers. He flicked it into the snow, the glow extinguished instantly. His bro

t now he couldn't stop the thought tha

he hadn't left he

________

d of dreams. But this on

le of the wreckage, staring at the twisted remains of the car. The crunch of broken glass was drowned out by the soft drip of

t led him through the wreckage, past the broken window, toward something he couldn't quite make

ld get close enough to see, something cold, like t

he gasped for air. He clawed at the invisible hands tightening, th

Deadly. Whisper

s running ou

fro

s familiar.

ike glass shattering

ou waste, someo

s spine, and his vi

throat tighten

th

ld sweat. He choked as his hands went to his neck, feeling the bru

ally. The dim moonlight filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows a

ou waste, someo

he air felt suffocating, heavy

glass of water. But before his fingers could even touch the rim,

froze, eyes wide, s

ang

the clock. 3:1

. He hesitated, fingers hovering above the phone, then snatched it

s pulse was too loud, the ring

nce.

the phone, each cry vibrating in Drake's ear