Page 153 of Echoes of Us

Colin checked and nodded, smiling. “Yeah, he’s out,” he confirmed.

“Did he smoke a lot?”

Holly turned, noticing Noah sleeping on me. “God, he’s like a kid, isn’t he? Being in a relationship with Noah has to be pure chaos. You’re a trooper for putting up with him,” she joked.

“He’s not so bad,” I said.

Marissaawwwed. “What are you talking about? They’re perfect,” she told Holly.

“You’ve just met Noah, Mari. Att’s perfect. Noah’s like a fireball,” she tried to explain.

“I think I’ll carry him inside. He hasn’t been sleeping well.”

“See? Perfect,” Holly said, then her expression clouded. “Wait, Noah hasn’t been sleeping well?” she asked, her face serious.

“He’s been like this for a week now. I keep finding him up at three in the morning. I don’t know if he’s sleeping during the day, but he’s definitely not doing it at night,” I told her.

Her frown deepened.

“Is that bad?”

Her face cleared, like a mask going back in place. “No, it’s probably nothing. He’s been stressed about his mom, hasn’t he? That’s what has him like this.”

“Yeah, he has to go back home this week.” I didn’t mention him asking me to come along. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do it yet.

“Do you need help?” Colin asked.

I got my hand under Noah’s knees and his arm.

“No, I got it.” I pushed off the couch, holding Noah close.

“Oh my god, please wait, I need to get a picture of this,” Holly said, fumbling with her phone.

Colin and Marissa laughed. I pressed my lips together as she snapped a picture and giggled. I carried Noah to the bedroom and laid him gently on the bed. His lips were still parted, his breathing steady. Noah was usually a light sleeper. He must have been really out of it not to wake up during all that commotion.

“Att, we’re going to take off,” Holly said, poking her head into the bedroom.

“You don’t have to.”

“We’re heading over to my place. Hey, Att, come here for a second,” she said, pulling on my shirt and lowering her voice.

We left the room, and she glanced back.

“What is it?”

“You know I love him, right? Noah keeps asking me to stay out of it, but I’m worried about him. I know you’re here with him, and I know that makes it better, but I know him, Att. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to call.” Her concern was evident.

“I don’t get it, Holly. Isn’t he doing better?”

“Noah loves to downplay how bad it is. Don’t fall for it too.”

“But, like, his depression? What?”

“His addiction, Att,” she said gently, her eyes kind.

Her words still felt like a blow to the gut.

“This spiral he’s in. He’s had to quit before, but this time he wants it, and I can tell it’s getting to him. He had like four Red Bulls while we were here, and he’s still out cold.”

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