Page 15 of Ian

Shit.

“How could you want that for your sister? Someone like me?”

“I wasn’t the one who chose you.”

Jamie pulls himself up to a sitting position. He looks at her for a few seconds and then starts speaking again.

“I just want to see her happy. She gave up on her own life for me, and I’d do the same for her.”

I clench my jaw at what Jamie is implying.

“And what about you?”

I jerk up to look at him.

“What about me?”

“What would you be willing to do?”

My gaze goes back to her, curled up on a chair in her brother’s hospital room.

“I’ve already let her go once.”

“Would you do it again?”

I don’t answer.

“Ian…”

“What do you want from me, Jamie?” I ask in frustration.

“I want you to be honest, with me and with yourself.”

I look at her again, and I feel my heart tighten in my chest.

“I don’t think I can to do it again,” I say honestly.

“Well then, at least just try not to send her off running again.”

“And how the hell am I supposed to do that?”

Jamie looks at me, serious.

“Sometimes, if you want someone to stay, all you have to do is ask them not to leave.”