Chapter 451

• I’ve never felt so close to hysteria in my life. I’m an unraveling mess of a child who can never understand why her mother doesn’t love her enough. She stays sitting and doesn’t move one single inch, focusing on the wall. Jake’s grip has become reassuringly tight, his strength keeping me up.
• “Look at me!” I demand, but she doesn’t. She picks up her mug and takes a long, slow drink until I almost break, my resolve crumbling as tears begin to pour. “What did I do to ever deserve any of that? Any of this? I was your only child, Mom. I was your baby. Why didn’t you protect me?” My voice is oozing absolute heartbreak.
• Jake’s arms come around me, and I don’t fight him this time. He pulls me under his chin, turns me into his chest, and holds me close. I hear his heart beating a little more rapidly than normal. I dissolve, so much heart-wrenching pain and tears pouring out of me. Jake has seen who I am, yet he’s not letting me go; he’s holding me closer than before.