Page 52 of Forever in the Country

My breath catches in my throat as I stare at her name. Guilt eats at me thinking about that night even though everything I said was the truth. I was frustrated and angry and he didn’t deserve me unloading all of that on him the way I did.

Three dots appear and disappear more times than I can count, but I won’t rush him.

SORREN: Our fight at the bakery. You were right.

SORREN: I hate callin’ it a fight—I don’t want to fight with you

RHEA: I don’t want to fight with you either

SORREN: I’ve spent my whole life fixing problems—keeping her safe. I did it in the military and whatever reason everyone comes to me for advice now.

SORREN: But my sister…that’s a problem I can’t fix

SORREN: One I’m not supposed to, and it’s killing me

Tears leak downmy face and I wish we were having this conversation in person. It’s too raw and real and I know he’s doing it through text because of that, but all I want in this moment is to wrap my arms around him and never let go.

I love you and I hate that you’re hurting.

RHEA: She’s lucky to have you. We all are.

RHEA: I should have been more sensitive that night

SORREN: You were right and I needed it. I just didn’t want to hear it.

RHEA: You’re stubborn

SORREN: Surprise to no one

RHEA: I don’t want you to feel forced into this

RHEA: I don’t want you to regret being with me

SORREN: Sunshine, the things I regret in my life will never include you

SORREN: I told you—I’ll never be perfect

SORREN: I just wanted to be better for you

RHEA: We can be better together you just have to let me in

SORREN: I’m trying

SORREN: I have to go back to class

SORREN: No i’s or k’s

RHEA: What?

SORREN: How do you spell ‘like’?

SORREN: I’m not ready to say it—but it’s there and I feel it.

I readand reread the messages andholy shit.

RHEA: No i’s or k’s

SORREN: Took you a minute

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