Page 35 of Micah

Patrick always had a reason we had to move.

A better opportunity.

A fresh start.

Another town.

Another apartment.

Another promise that this one would be different.

I never questioned it much.

Life happens.

People lose jobs.

Sometimes you just have bad luck.

Besides...

He sacrificed so much after Dad died.

Didn't he?

When I finally got approved for the loan to make this place happen? He was over the moon.

I think it was the first time my big brother’s ever been proud of me.

The thought leaves a funny ache in my chest that I shove aside before it can settle.

This place...

This town...

The Watering Hole...

It all feels different.

Like maybe—for the first time in a long time—I've finally found somewhere to stay.

Somewhere I can belong.

Somewhere I might actually make friends who stick around.

I don't realize I'm smiling until my attention slides past the happy couples.

Past Alex.

Past Sawyer.

Until it lands on him.

Micah Fiero.

He always comes in last.

Always.