Page 122 of Time to Bounce

But…

Athena’s hands were so small. Yet when they were in my own, they felt like they were exactly where they were meant to be. Like my big hands were made to shield her small ones. So soft and smooth compared to my callouses.

“Choose,” Gavrel pushed.

My eyes were staring at the white light now, my irises so huge that it almost hurt to look into the light.

“Gable?”

My heart.

My heart burst inside of my chest.

“Addison,” I breathed.

“Hey, little brother.” Addison smiled so huge. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

My heart broke inside my chest. “What are you doing here? Why are you here?”

She gestured behind her. “Finally at peace.”

At peace.

That’s what I wanted for her.

I didn’t want her to suffer.

“I’ve missed you,” she murmured. “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.”

Tears.

I was crying.

“Can I hug you?” I asked.

“Sure,” she smiled. “You just have to come to this side. I can’t come to that one. I’ve already made my choice.”

I looked over at Gavrel. “What choice have you made?”

He looked behind me, as if his heart was in a different location. “I’m waiting.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For her to be fully happy. Settled. Once that happens, then I’ll go.” He looked at the white light. “I’m not ready to go until she has… someone.”

I was instantly offended. “She has someone.”

My defensiveness shocked me and him.

But he rallied and said, “But does she?”

I took two steps back.

“Gable, where are you going?” Addie asked.

I looked at my sister, feeling like my heart was breaking. “I have to go back.”

She smiled. “You can do that.”

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