Page 119 of Fallen Stars

As he straightens his spine and walks toward the elevator that leads to the desolate halls of misery, fire expands in my chest. A blaze so powerful it robs me of breath. Clenches my heart. Jolts my soul. A firestorm constructed by love and bravery and perseverance. An indestructible force that forms a protective shield around us.

Our scars may never fully heal, but we will overcome this part of our journey. Together.

Shuffling into the elevator, Levi presses the button and we descend. Hour-long seconds pass as we wait to reach the bottom.

Levi’s faint quivers transition into full-fledge tremors as a ding echoes through the elevator car. The second the doors open, Levi dashes out and tugs me along. As everyone steps out, Levi pauses and stares at the sterile, lifeless walls.

His jagged breaths grow louder, a soft, pained whimper edging each exhale. He crushes my bones in his grip. A steadytap, tap, tapbounces off the walls as his tremors make his teeth clatter.

I lean into him. “I’m right here, moje srce,” I assure him. “The entire time, I’ll be right next to you.” I rest the side of my head on his. “We leave when you want to. Just say the word.”

Giving me some of his weight, he nods. “Thank you.”

Several minutes pass before his tremors calm to a soft vibration. He lifts his head, swallows, then takes a step toward one of the numerous hallways. When he reads the number onthe first door, he backtracks and moves to another hallway. The one where they kept him.

Eerie silence fills the stagnant air as Levi leads us to his final prison cell. The closet-sized room where I found him a month ago.

As we near the door, his feet move faster and more unsteadily. My pulse whooshes in my ears as my vision tunnels tothedoor.

God, he was so fucking scared and perplexed when I stepped into the room. A complete juxtaposition to the strong and brilliant man I’ve known for years.

But I refused to leave this shithole without him.

Only death will rip us apart. Even then, my soul will raze the universe to find his.

Inches from the propped open door, Levi stops and stares at one piece in his hellscape puzzle. The last piece.

I wait for his next move, ready for anything.

Instead of pushing the door open like I expect, he drops to his knees and pulls me down with him. Releasing his hold on me, he brings his hands to his face as he starts to rock in place. A sob rips from his throat and echoes off the walls.

I don’t think, don’t hesitate, don’t hold back as I wrap him in my arms and hold him tighter than comprehensible. He doesn’t shove me away. His feet slide out from beneath him and he collapses in my arms, giving me all his weight.

“You’re safe. I’ve got you,” I whisper over and over as I lull him. Tears stain my cheeks as I kiss his hair. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

We cry on the floor for almost an hour before Levi quiets. He sits up and wipes his cheeks. Takes a deep breath, then another. On shaky legs, he rises, takes my hand, and walks toward the elevator.

“Let’s go home.”

October 5th

Today was hard as fuck. I wanted to puke several times, but kept my shit together for L. Until he broke down and cried more than I’ve seen anyone cry in my life. Other than calling Dr. H, he’s been quiet since we left. He’s probably processing. I sure as hell am. I just hope he comes to me if he needs to get anything off his chest. I hope he knows I’ll be there for him no matter what. More than anything, I hope today helps both of us move forward. L deserves peace and love. I hope he knows he’ll always have both with me.

THIRTY-FOUR

LEVI

“How’s work been this week?”Dr. Hampton asks, pen in hand and poised over the pad on her lap.

Last week, I told Tymber I was done filling time with random tasks in the office. With a strained smile on his face, he said he was excited to have me online again.

I will be the first to admit I’m not ready for a job that will consume every waking hour of my life. But I am ready to get back to what I love most—helping others by putting my knowledge and skills to use.

In the month since my return to TWSIS, I’d revamped my office three times, organized the supply closet twice, rummaged through the breakroom, thrown away several expired and questionable food items, and coached each employee no less than two full days each.

The past four weeks of low-stress tasks and zero pressure were exactly what I needed to ease myself back into my old work routine. I remained active with the team and contributed to the company I helped build.

As of two days ago, I am back at my desk and doing what I love… with minor restrictions.

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