Page 92 of Collins

---

I’ll take whatever you’ll give me. I just can’t survive without you.

This is breaking my heart.

I love you always,

Collins

CHAPTER 43

johnnie

NOW

No.No. No.

I don’t want to die.

I’m so sorry.

No. No. No.

Flashes—

His eyes looking right through me.

Mom’s tears.

Dad’s panicked expression.

Get them out. Come on. Come on.

No. No. No.

I don’t want to die.

“Johnnie.” His voice is soft, laced with worry. “Johnnie, it’s okay. Open your eyes. Look at me, baby.”

I’m sweating, or maybe that’s tears? I don’t know. My face is wet.

Everything is dark and I want to open my eyes to see him—hear the comforting words I know are coming from the safest place, my home.

They won’t open.

One, two, three, four…the pills. I have to count them.

I don’t want to die.

“Johnnie, shh.” His soothing arms wrap around me, bringing me down, calming me.

Finally, my eyelids slowly separate. It’s still dark, but I can see the glow of his face. The light catching on the ends of each caramel strand—backlit like an angel.My angel.

My eyes dart around, mind trying to break free from the confusion.

Gentle hands wipe my face, they’re slightly rough, yet the most soothing thing I’ve ever felt.

“Baby, you were dreaming. You’re okay.”

My rampant heart and erratic breaths begin to ease, composing themselves.

---