58

ADELINE

PRESENT TIME

I wake up with a sharp breath, like I’ve just hit the surface after drowning.

He's gone again.

My chest rises and falls like I’ve been running, chasing something I can’t have. I don’t scream, even though I want to. The pain sits there, right beneath my ribcage, steady and sharp.

I feel the wetness on my face. My pillow is soaked. I’m not surprised — I don’t even try to wipe th