ELIANA
Uncle James pulls me into his arms, his strong hands firm around me as if it’ll be enough to protect me from the tormenting pain. From the entire world.
“It hurts really bad.” I confess out loud, hugging him back tightly as though my life depends on it.
Or maybe it did.
“I know. I know. I'm so sorry.” He says, giving my body a gentle squeeze and planting a kiss on my hair.
The sobs that I have been trying hard to suppress break free, hard for me to hold back that much longer. For the first time in a long time, I allow myself to let it go, succumbing to the pain because I’m afraid that if I hold it all in a minute longer, I'll die from heartache.
“It's going to be okay. Your uncle is here for you. I’ll always be here.” He says, stroking my back gently. Reminding me that he’ll a
