Chapter 5
Stella quickly covered the phone’s microphone and looked up at Adrian who had suddenly burst through the door.
“nothing,” she said quietly, forcing a smile. “Just checking in with Grandpa.”
Adrian looked like hell–hair messed up, shirt collar half–open, revealing a faint scratch on his collarbone that looked suspiciously kengenall marks.
He didn’t press her for details, just gave a tired “okay” and said. “I’ve got some stuff to deal with, so I wont be around for a few days.”
Stella modded, watching him turn and walk out. (
Only after his figure completely diappeared down the hallway did she slowly move her hand away from the phone.
On the other end, old Mr. Hayes let out a heavy sigh: “Stella, Adrian’s gonna regret losing you.“||
Stella’s throat tightened her eyes burning. “Grandpa, about the divorce… I want to be the one to tell him. Can you not say anything yet?“[]
Old Mr. Hayes went quiet for a moment, his voice sounding every bit of his age: “Im too old for this, kiddo. Can’t control that boy anymore. If you’ve made up your mind to leave, then go.” He paused, his votre rough, just want you to be happy, sweetheart“]
Stella bit down hard on her lip, tears streaming down silently. will be, Grandpa. I promise.“]
Abber getting discharged, Stella started packing her things. Adrian never came home once. But Paige’s Instagram was updated daily.
[The sunset today! He and the colors were beautiful, just like when we were eighteen.
Above her words, the photo showed Adrian’s silhouette against the evening sky, his profile soft and gentle
[He says I’m going to get better. Took me to the temple to pray.]]
In that picture, Adrian was lighting incense, completely focuse
[couldn’t sleep again tonight. He stayed up tilding with me until 3 AM.]
F
Sira scrolled through each post her fingers trembling slightly. She should be used to this by now. But her heart fex like it was being carved out with a dull krufe, the pain almost suffocating.
Then a phone call suddenly shamered the silence
“Stella! Get to the hospital now! Adrian’s been in an accident!” The voice on the other end belonged to one of Adrian’s buddies, urgent and panicked.[
Stella heart lurched as she grabbed her jacket at once and babed out the door.
The hospital ballway reeked of disinfectant mixed with the metale smell of blood.
Stella stumbled toward the emergency room
raight into a critical condition notice.
We need a family member to sign the doctor said urgently
Stella’s hands shook so badly she could barely hold the pen. “What happened?” She looked up at Adrian’s friends, her voice trembling.]
This faces were dark as they all turned to stare at Pige, who was sobbing in the corner.
“Ask her!” one of them spat through gritted teeth:||
Paige hiccuped through her tears as she explained. []
Shed gotten this random urge to go se loting stars up in the mountains midnight, sa Adrian had driven her up there.
mun they’d goom rught in a multi–car pileup. []
In that split second, Adrian had pushed her out of the way but gut hit himself–covered in blood and knocked unconscious|||
“This all your daraudia’s friend was furious. “How many tues has Adrian gotten hurt because of you since we were kids? You want the stars, he’d get you the stars. You want the moon, he’d fish it out of the sky for you. He’s spelled you rotten”
o your birthday–crashed on the way and broke two ribs!
pick you up for
“And seven years ago, he had a 102–degree fever but will drove to pick you
Andjales! When we were eighteen, you insisted on going skiing. He protected you and nearly fell off a cliff trying to keep you safe! And now because of you again—“”
Enough” the doctor snapped. e patient’s ist too much blood and we’re running low on Onegative! Who here has negative blood?!”
Everyone went slent. []
Stells slowly raised her hand…am“}
