Chapter 95 - Broken

It stings.

I lay my palm over it. The bullet wound. The brand he left on me. It’s healed, I know it has. It’s just a scar now but I can feel it. Like an indelible mark, I’m forced to it carry forever.

Even before opening my eyes, my first thought this morning was unpleasant but not at all unusual these days. An inventory of what aches is the next thing I clock in. My whole torso is stiff and abnormally cold. My ribs are tender and sore as always. Nothing new there.

The second thought is a reminder that I need to shove something down my throat to take my medication. Even if hunger has escaped me these days.

The third thought would always be the loves of my life. Charlie is fast asleep, maybe because it’s barely dawn but Austin… I glance at his side of the bed. Which is currently empty…?

I listen for any sound, any sign of life. Silence permeates the penthouse.