Chapter 2

Part of him wanted to be that courageous, to open up the wound that cut so deep and share it with those who might understand how he was suffering. They’d experience heartbreaking, gut-wrenching agony, just as he had. But still, none of them had gone through the same situation. Their grief, their pain, it wasn’t any less than his, but the circumstances were different. And perhaps, deep down, he was afraid they would pity him and he definitely didn’t want that.

Twisting the key in the ignition he turned down the radio until it was a soft murmur. It was odd, the fear of being alone with his thoughts, yet his inability to let the world back in.

Movement caught his attention. Caleb, gaze scanning the lot, focusing on him. Leo fought the urge to throw the car into gear and back out before Caleb could reach him, to pretend like he never saw him. For some reason, however, he stayed.

Maybe this is what they call a glimmer of hope. Maybe I’m not quite as lost as I think.