Chapter 61

Ethan didn’t notice how hard he was holding Deborah’s phone. He didn’t notice that he had begun rocking swiftly where he sat. He didn’t notice his nails digging into the couch cushion. Least of all, he didn’t notice how heartbroken Deborah looked.

“Easy, easy, Ethan…” She slowly rubbed his back, letting him choke and breathe and panic. Trying to shake him out of it was useless, if not mildly dangerous. And so, Deborah had no choice but to sit there, waiting for his attack to end. His breaths came out in sobs. His back contorted and retracted like a tense coil.

His happiness had shattered.