21. Heart condition.

And there he is—Tanner. Leaving. Really leaving.

Tyler's chest tightens as he watches Tanner walk away, his silhouette growing smaller with each step.

There's no way he can let Tanner leave like this, not after everything. Not after the lies, the heartbreak, and the undeniable love that still lingers between them.

He can't let him go. Not when he knows he's the one who caused this pain.

Without hesitation, Tyler rushes forward, his breath ragged and uneven, trying to catch up to Tanner.

"So, you won't even give me a chance to explain?" Tyler calls out, his voice trembling but loud enough to reach Tanner's ears. "I have no excuse for lying to you, none at all. But leaving like this? Don't you think that's unfair to both of us? Weren't you the one who told me no one is perfect? I made a mistake, and I deserve your anger, but please—don't just walk away like this."

Tanner doesn't respond.

His steps don't falter, and he doesn't even turn his head. He keeps walking as though Tyler's words are nothing more than the wind.

Tyler's heart pounds harder, each beat a painful reminder of the distance growing between them. No. This isn't how their story ends.

It can't be.

"Tanner!" Tyler shouts, desperation cracking his voice. "You said you wouldn't forget that I love you—no matter what happens in the future. Remember? I'm sorry, alright? I'm really, really sorry. I broke your trust, and I'm not asking you to trust me again, but can you at least stop long enough to hear me out?"

His voice cracks further, and his emotions boil over, overwhelming him. Tears well up, spilling down his face as he follows Tanner. "Please," he whispers, his tone raw and broken.

Still, Tanner doesn't stop.

The silence is deafening, suffocating, and Tyler feels like he's screaming into an empty void.

He dares not touch Tanner, unsure of how much distance Tanner is forcing between them, but he can't let him leave.

When they reach the front door, Tyler darts forward, stepping in front of it and blocking Tanner's path. He plants himself firmly, his body a barrier Tanner will have to fight to pass.

"Move," Tanner says, his voice quiet yet cutting. It's controlled, but there's a dangerous edge to it.

Tyler shakes his head, his hands trembling. "No. You're wrong if you think I'm going to let you go like this. You think running is the answer? That leaving will make it better?"

He pauses, his chest heaving as he struggles to find the right words. "I made a mistake, okay? I admit that. But I didn't know we'd end up here. Maybe... maybe this was meant to happen. Maybe this was destiny. Tanner, I'm sorry. I love you. I love you so much that the thought of you walking out that door makes it hard for me to breathe. Please, let's fix this. Leaving won't solve anything. I swear, this is the first and last time I'll ever hurt you."

Tanner's expression remains impassive, but his voice grows colder, firmer. "Move."

Tyler's emotions bubble over, spilling into his words. "How about this? Maybe you'll have to kill me before I let go of what's between us. Because I'm not letting go. We didn't come this far just to end here. You want me to move? Forget about it. You're not going anywhere. I feel horrible about what I did, Tanner, and letting you go will only make things worse."

Tanner's face twists with anguish, and his voice snaps, low but filled with raw emotion. "You made a fool of me," he says, his words hitting Tyler like a punch to the gut. "I've been tearing myself apart, trying to understand how my feelings shifted so drastically—from your sister to you. I told you how much it hurt, how much I hated myself for it. And yet, you didn't think it was important enough to tell me the truth? You and your sister thought it was a game, didn't you? You said, 'Let's keep fooling him, let's see how far this can go.'"

"Tanner—"

"Don't." Tanner cuts him off, his voice shaking. "I trusted you, Tyler. More than I've ever trusted anyone. When you were around, I felt safe. This house felt like a home because of you. But not anymore." He exhales sharply, his shoulders trembling. "So, just move. Don't make me—"

Before he can finish, Tanner stumbles. His body wavers unsteadily, and then he collapses.

"Tanner!" Tyler cries out, panic surging through him as Tanner crumples to the floor.

For a moment, Tyler is frozen in shock, his heart pounding in his ears.

His father is the first to react, shouting for someone to call the doctor.

Tyler's mother hurries over, her face pale as she helps lift Tanner, guiding him carefully back to the couch. Tyler, hands trembling, supports Tanner's weight, his heart in his throat.

His mother doesn't spare him a glance, her coldness cutting through him like a knife. But Tyler doesn't have time to dwell on her disdain. Tanner's shallow breathing is all he can focus on.

Minutes later, the family doctor arrives. His expression is grim as he examines Tanner, his movements quick but precise. Tyler watches anxiously, his stomach churning with dread.

"So? How is he?" Tyler asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor hesitates, his face etched with worry. "I can't say for sure yet, but it's possible he has a condition called idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. It's a chronic heart issue that needs immediate attention."

Tyler's breath catches. "What does that mean? Is it serious?"

The doctor nods solemnly. "Yes. Very serious. He'll need to be taken to the hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment."

Tyler's heart clenches painfully. "Then what are we waiting for? Shouldn't we be on our way now?"

"I've already called for an ambulance," the doctor replies calmly, though urgency laces his tone.

The word "ambulance" sends a jolt of fear through Tyler. His pulse races as the reality of the situation sinks in. Tanner's heart is weak. Too weak.

When the paramedics arrive, they move quickly, lifting Tanner onto a stretcher with practiced efficiency.

Tyler follows closely, his mind racing with worry. His mother stays silent, her expression unreadable as she and the others prepare to follow in the car.

In the ambulance, Tyler clings to Tanner's hand, tears streaming down his face. "Please," he whispers, his voice cracking. "Please be okay, Tanner."