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I take it from him, our fingers brushing.

"Thanks," I say, voice soft.

"Anytime," he says. "Get some rest."

***

Inside, the quiet of my apartment feels different.

Not empty.

Not lonely.

Just... still.

And for the first time in weeks, I let myself believe that maybe I don’t have to do this alone.

Maybe I’m not losing myself.

Maybe I’m finding a new version of me.

One who can be brilliant and brave, and still have someone standing beside her.

Maybe he’s the anchor.

Maybe I’m enough.

Even when I break.

Chapter seventeen

Nate

"You ever been tackled by a seven-year-old wearing glitter sneakers?" I ask as I hold the gym door open for Mandy.

"Not recently," she says, eyeing the colorful raucous inside. "But I guess today’s a good day to change that."

We step into the LifeSpark Kids Center, the place already buzzing like a beehive. The team decided to do a volunteer day instead of practice, and Coach figured it would be good PR and even better therapy for our head game.

Mandy pauses at the entrance, her eyes scanning the carnival of art supplies, soccer balls, and sugar-fueled energy. Kids dart around like pinballs, a few already clinging to players’ legs. Somewhere, someone squeals.

"This is your idea of a relaxing afternoon?" she teases.

"Chaos builds character," I say, patting her back. "Let’s go find our name tags before someone recruits you for dodgeball."

James jogs by in full fairy costume, complete with tutu and wings, getting chased by three kids waving foam swords.

"Good luck, Your Highness!" I shout.

"They’re savages!" he yells back. "I demand backup!"

Mandy laughs, that soft, surprised kind that hits me square in the chest.

We find our name tags near the volunteer table. Kira and Mikey are already arguing over who spilled the entire bin of googly eyes. Mikey looks like he just stepped out of a glitter explosion.

"I didn’t even touch the cart!" he swears.

Kira points to his face. "You have Elmer's glue on your eyebrow. Your defense is invalid."