Page 77 of Embracing Trust

Not necessarily problem averted because my brother let me off easy. There’s no doubt I need to get some help. The nightmares are getting worse, which makes it hard to sleep. Some days I’m so tired I can barely focus.

I plop down on my bed.

Now it’s time to apologize to Julia.

I dial her number and she answers on the second ring.

“Hello?” Her voice feels like home—like a lantern on a dark night.

“Hey, Julia.” I let out a breath. “How’re you doing?”

“Good. Just busy.”

Her answer is curt.

“I’m calling to apologize for today. I know you were just trying to help. I’m sorry, I was tired and not in a very good mood.” I rub the back of my neck. “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

“I’m glad you called.” There’s a hesitation. “I’m worried about you.”

The last thing I want is for Julia, or for anyone for that matter, to worry about me.

“You’ve been so quiet the last few weeks—so almost…Distant? I don’t know if that’s the right word.”

I suck in a breath.

I can’t let her know I’m spiraling out of control—my life and especially my future are also spiraling.

“I know.” I run my hand through my buzzed hair. “I’ve got a lot on my mind and some stuff…I’m…not ready to talk about yet. Thanks for being there for me…and for listening.”

“I understand and you know I’m always here for you. I’m here to listen if you ever want to talk.”

I can almost hear the smile in her voice.

Thankfully, I’m in love with the most understanding woman on the planet. Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve her. I smile to myself as I stride back to my bedroom to unpack my overnight bag.

I finish and put my bag in the closet. My cell phone rings, and I hurry to grab it.

Maybe Julia forgot to tell me something.

I’m disappointed when I see it isn’t Julia, but instead Mom.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Ryan, I’m glad I caught you.” Mom is breathless.

“Everything okay?”

She lets out a shaky breath. “Why don’t you plan on coming over tomorrow after work?”

“Tomorrow? I’m not sure I can make it. I have—”

“It’s important.”

“What’s going on?” I plop down on my bed.

“I met Aubree at the Emergency Clinic while you were out of town.”

“What happened?”

---