Chapter 8

“Don’t talk about her. You know nothing about her, or what she would have wanted. You have no idea what’s best for me, and you never have. What makes you think this is best for me?”

“You’re asking me if it would be better to let my son die?” Oliver shook his head and sat heavily on the edge of the bed. “I’m not a monster. No matter what you might think.”

“I don’t know if you’re a monster, but you are selfish. I don’t think I could ever forgive that.” Jesse turned toward the door. “Not that you care, I know.”

“I do care. I’ve always cared.”

Oliver probably thought he was being completely sincere. But that didn’t matter. Jesse felt like he had lost his father and one of his closest friends in a single, stunning blow. The fact that Oliver claimed to care did not mitigate these losses. Jesse stepped out of the room, silently shutting the door behind him. 3