Chapter 73: Preparation Part 1

It takes me a moment to hear it.

Part of my brain dismisses the word, first because of pure impossibility. I must've misheard. It's the only reason. But I replay it again, matching the statement to the paleness of his cheeks and his utter refusal to look me in the eye.

I can manage only one word. "Oh."

Reid shakes his head, "I'm sorry, Fallon. I just - I can't."

Pain courses through me like burning oil, choking out all my air. I can't breathe. I need to get somewhere where I can breathe. I'm not sure what happens next but I'm not at Reid's door anymore. I'm flying down the corridor, back toward my room, trying to keep the tears from gushing down my face.