TESSA
My hands wouldn’t stop shaking as we walked down the hallway toward Jaxson’s room. Every step felt heavier than the last, like the ground kept pulling me down. Ryder walked ahead, Cole beside him, Nova behind us with her jaw clenched so tight she looked like she could snap. I barely lifted my head. I didn’t deserve to.
My palms were cold. My throat felt tight, dry, and useless.
I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to see him—not like this, not after everything I had done.
When we reached the door, Cole rushed inside. Ryder paused for half a second before walking inside. The soft beeping of machines rushed into my ears, sharp and loud. My stomach twisted.
I stepped inside.
I kept my eyes on the floor. I couldn’t look at him. I didn’t have the right. Shame crawled all the way
