As I step outside, the chill of the evening air wraps around me, but it’s nothing compared to the storm brewing inside. Richie trails behind me, calling my name, but I refuse to turn around. My eyes are brimming with tears, and I don’t want him to witness the turmoil raging within me. Yet, as I continue walking, he reaches out and clasps my hand, forcing me to face him. His gaze is filled with sympathy, and it only makes the tears spill over. "Rach, oh my god," he says, stepping closer, but I instinctively pull away.
"Don’t come close to me, Richie, just don’t!" I yell, my voice cracking as more tears cascade down my cheeks. I can already feel the weight of this day crushing me, and I hate it with every fiber of my being.
Richie’s eyes soften as he looks into mine, and I can see the regr
