If anything, his frustration and desperation to see me only increased as time went on. Never once in all his messages did he lead me to believe he was through with me. Sickness roils in my gut, but I ignore it. He’ll understand soon what family really means. Twenty minutes later and we’ve nailed down flights to St. “The line’s moving,” the guy behind us complains.ĭad nods his head away from the gate. I’m going to go get him.”ĭad’s eyes widen, and Quinn starts to cry tears of relief. At first, I don’t understand why he says the word “First,” but then I realize it’s the street name.ĭad urges me closer to the gate where an airline worker waits. Seconds later, there’s a private message-just one word. There’s a person in the background of the picture-some guy dressed in a black suit-glaring at him. He looks strange wearing a suit, and he’s not smiling, but the bottle of Coke in his hand makes my stomach flip. I tug away from him, hoping for a text from Alis. The line moves, and Dad shifts us forward some. He hugs me tight, whispering assurances I want to believe. Dad clasps a hand on my shoulder, and I fall against him, losing the battle with my emotions. All I can do is stare at our picture, the both of us so fucking happy, and try desperately not to cry. Pain and despair are anchors on my feet, dragging me under and blinding me in an abyss of what-ifs.

It was a selfie of us-both of us wearing snow gear, sunglasses, and huge matching grins. His last posted picture was when we were skiing at the resort. The line moves slowly, so I flip back over to Instagram. I can’t carry on like my heart didn’t just get up and leave. There’s no way I can go back to school next week without him. It’s only been days, and I miss him more than I thought possible. His teasing laughter when we watch Mubona Ikari together and I geek out on all the scenes. The way he becomes hyper-focused when working on a sculpture, ignoring everything and everyone around him.

Feuds and reckless fury