CHAPTER 10
Timeline: 21 Days Until 18
“You haven’t eaten in twenty-four hours.”
Zane’s voice was quiet, but it cut through the quiet of the kitchen like a blade. I sat at the table, staring at the same plate of toast I’d set out an hour ago, my hands folded tight in my lap. The house felt different now. Lighter by one person, heavier by a thousand unspoken things. Every empty chair, every quiet corner, every pause in conversation whispered his name.
“I’m not hungry.” I didn’t look up. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine.” He pulled out the chair across from me and sat down, slow and steady, like he was trying not to startle me. “None of us are. But skipping meals won’t bring him back. It won’t change the rules. And it won’t make the days go any faster.”
I finally lifted my head. He looked t
