Chapter 121

"A mighty flame follows a tiny spark."

-Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy

When the morning came I didn't really want to move, and I was a little bit hungover from last night. It felt surreal to remember that I used to drink until I would pass out in the pub or on my sofa. The old damaged, Maxine was long gone.

Zach had his arm around me and his closeness felt comforting. I could see myself living with him, as a normal couple, but I had another little person that I had to consider too. Summer was part of me and at some point we were going to be reunited.

Ronan went out early and came back with newspapers and some fresh bread for breakfast. He was used to getting up early, and he liked his solitude. Two years ago when I lived with him, he had a tendency to disappear often enough to get me worried.