Page 121 of Pull Me Under

I can’t speak. Can’t defend myself.

Because she’s right.

‘You know what I see when I look at you?’ She’s not yelling anymore. This is worse – cold, precise, surgical. ‘I see a man living in his brother’s shadow.’

My jaw ticks.

‘What do you want from me?’

‘I want you to be the man you are when no one’s watching.’ Her voice wavers, just for a second. ‘I want you to choose something, anything – me, Plymouth your own fucking life – over his approval. Just once.’

‘I will. I just need⁠—’

‘Time. Right. More time.’ She shakes her head. ‘You’ve had weeks. And every time it matters, you make the same choice.’

‘Brynn—’

‘Tell your father. Tomorrow.’ She meets my eyes, and there’s no softness left. Just steel. ‘Or we’re done. And I mean done, and you’ll never have to be embarrassed by a Trelawney again.’

‘You wouldn’t⁠—’

‘Try me.’ She steps back. ‘I’ve left before. I know how to disappear. And I refuse – I refuse – to spend another second of my life being someone’s shameful secret. I’ve done that. I’ve been the thing people hide. Never again.’

She turns. Starts walking.

‘Brynn, wait⁠—’

‘Tomorrow, Jude.’ She doesn’t look back. ‘Choose. For once in your miserable life, choose something real.’

She disappears into the mist.

I should follow. Should run after her, tell her I’ll do it right now, march back into that pub and⁠—

I don’t.

I stand there, her words ringing in my ears, and I don’t move.

You’ll keep performing. Keep shrinking. Keep choosing him over everything else.

She’s right.

God help me, she’s right.

The pub door opens behind me.

‘Jude? You coming back in? Bill’s buying the next round.’

It’s my father’s voice.

I turn. Look at him.

‘Yeah,’ I say. ‘I’m coming.’

I follow him inside.

The door swings shut.

And somewhere in the village, Brynn Trelawney walks home alone.