“I’ll go get you two some coffee,” Cole offered, his voice low, already shifting to move.
“It’s okay. I’ll go,” Chloe said quickly, standing up too fast. “God knows I need a distraction.”
She didn’t wait for anyone to respond. She was already walking away, her shoulders tight, her arms folded across her chest like they were the only thing holding her together.
She had always been the stronger one between us. But I saw right through her now. The coffee was just a reason to escape—so she could fall apart somewhere else, somewhere no one could see.
Cole sighed and lowered himself beside me on the bench. He’d been standing this whole time, ever since Mum was wheeled in.
“You alright?” he asked quietly.
“Yeah.” I lied.
He looked at me, but didn’t push. He didn’t need to. We both knew he
