The first drops of rain fell to the ground as Jonah and I stepped into the kitchen. I was struck by the warmth of the room. A fire glowed in the huge fireplace, illuminating the family who sat and stood around the room. For the first time in two days I was warm enough to take off his hand-me-down coat.
“You two look exhausted,” Charlotte said.
I looked then at Jonah, for the first time since pulling away from him. His eyes were bloodshot. He looked defeated and confused. I had done that to him. My selfishness had hurt someone so good. I hated myself even more. Why did I keep causing pain? Why did I keep bringing darkness into the world?
“Just hungry and thirsty,” Jonah said, striding to the sink where a bucket of water sat.
Charlotte handed him a glass and then gave me one. Jonah drank
