Page 64 of Manic

Because she's right—Tallahassee, the club, Tor... it all feels dangerously close to home.

And home is something I've learned can be ripped away in an instant.

"I'm glad you're happy here," I say softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand. "That's all I've ever wanted for you."

We lapse into silence as I navigate the familiar streets until I’m turning down our back road, and then our driveway.

The new house looms ahead, a beautiful cedar structure that still feels too good to be true.

As I pull into the driveway, I can't help but marvel at how different our lives are now compared to just a month ago.

"Hey, Mom?" Tindra says as I cut the engine. "Can we have a movie night tonight? Just us?"

I smile, genuine this time. "Absolutely. You pick the movie, I'll make the popcorn."

We climb out of the car, and I watch as Tindra bounds up the steps to the front door.

She looks so at ease, so carefree, and I wish I could borrow some of that innocence, even for a moment.

Inside, the house is cool and quiet.

I drop my keys on the side table, my eyes automatically sweeping the room for anything out of place.

Old habits, indeed.

"I'm gonna go change," Tindra calls, already halfway up the stairs.

"Okay, honey. I'll start on dinner."

In the kitchen, I busy myself with meal prep, the routine motions calming my frayed nerves.

As I chop vegetables, my mind wanders to Tor.

His steady presence has been a constant this past month, a rock in the turbulent sea of my emotions.

Yet, even as I feel myself drawn to him, a part of me resists, afraid to fully trust, to fully let go.

The sound of the front door opening has me freezing, knife poised mid-air.

My heart rate spikes, adrenaline flooding my system.

Tor's deep voice carries through the house, and I let out a shaky breath. "Meghan?"

"In the kitchen," I call back, setting down the knife with trembling hands.

He appears in the doorway, all broad shoulders and kind eyes. "Hey," he says softly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Thought I'd stop by, see how you're doing."

I manage a smile in return, even as my pulse continues to race. "We're good. Just about to start dinner. Want to join us?"

Tor steps closer, his gaze searching my face. "You sure? You look a little... tense."

I laugh, but it sounds hollow even to my own ears. "That obvious, huh?"

He reaches out, his hand warm on my arm. "Talk to me, Meghan. What's going on?"

I bite my lip, warring with myself.

Part of me wants to confide in him, to share the weight of my fears.

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