The voice is soft.
Familiar.
I freeze.
Turn my head.
Izzy stands in the doorway. The soft curves of her figure silhouetted against the light from the hallway. Her dark hair falls in waves around her face, her brown eyes steady as they meet mine.
She's watching me.
Not with fear.
Not with disgust.
With understanding.
With certainty.
"It's okay," she says, stepping forward.
I don't move.
My grip tightens around the knife, my entire body coiled, my vision red.
I want to finish this.
I need to.
But then?—
She reaches out.
Her fingers grazing my wrist, anchoring me back to reality.
Andjust like that?—
The rage breaks.
My breath stutters.
My muscles relax, just slightly.
I look down at Evan—bloody, broken, barely breathing.
And I make my choice.
I drop the knife. It clatters against the concrete.
Stand.
Take her hand instead. Her palm is soft against my calloused one.
And walk away.
Together.
TURNS OUT CALEB WAS REAL ALL ALONG