Finally, after countless pieces of crumpled paper, I settle on the simple truth:
I love you more than anything in this world, Elise, but I didn’t know how to express it. I’m sorry Ifailed and hurt you. I’ll always try to do better.
It’s short and to the point, but after five rereads, I can’t find anything to cut or add. I rip it carefullyout of the notebook and fold it into neat thirds. Then I hop out of bed and pad into the hallway.
Elise’s door is open, but there’s no answer when I knock. I peek around the doorframe and the roomis empty, so I head towards the kitchen. Nikolai’s snack cabinet has become a watering hole for thetwo of us. Maybe a neutral meeting place will be for the best, anyway.
But when I get to the kitchen, it’s empty, as well.
“Where is she?” I mutter to myself.
