Fragile Hold

~VALERIE’S POV~

I force myself to walk away. To pretend like Donovan’s question didn’t shake me. To pretend like I didn’t feel like the floor had been ripped out from under me.

The kitchen is too quiet, my thoughts too loud as I gather ingredients to make him something to eat. My hands tremble slightly as I reach for the cutting board. I tell myself it’s just from exhaustion, but I know better.