6
Daniel.
I woke up telling myself to keep my distance. I even believed it for a little while. Work helps. Chores help. Fixing small things makes me feel like the big things can stay under control. I made coffee, fixed the sticky latch on the porch door, checked the pump timer because I like the rhythm to be exact. Told myself I wouldn’t stand under her window again pretending I was listening to the weather. Told myself last night was a slip, not a pattern. Then Jake came down barefoot, hoodie half on, hair everywhere, stealing my toast before I’d even sat down.
“We’re out of my sunscreen,” he said. “Can you take Ava into town? I promised Josh I’d help him with the boat trailer.” I told him he only liked that sunscreen because the label was blue. He grinned like I’d proven his point.
