18 Not Goodbye

Simon left a few weeks later.

Zeke borrowed Diane’s car and drove him to the airport. He’d had weeks to get used to the idea but now that the time for Simon to go was here, he wasn’t ready. He acted like he was OK with it because, what else could he do?

But inside? He was breaking apart slowly.

What if Simon didn’t come back?

What if Simon met someone back home and decided to stay there?

Was this was heartbreak felt like?

He felt like his chest was too small for his heart and the bones in his chest were squeezing his heart.

It wasn’t as if he could tie Simon up in his house.

That was just ridiculous.

Besides, he was just a guy. A guy who was in the right place to save Simon from Jon. But if he was being honest, there wasn’t actually anything keeping Simon in New York.

As far as he knew, New York was just a traumatic experience for Simon and he couldn’t wait to leave.

Well, life wasn’t fair.

“Hey, are you OK?” Simon shook his as arm. Zeke jerked slightly.