Page 164 of Depths of Destruction

"And after, we'll kayak."

"Is this your way of keeping me busy?"

"That, and it helps me to not get stuck in all my thoughts,” he absentmindedly says.

"I'm sorry. I never ask how you're doing."

"I'm okay. Tuesday was a bad day for me, but today's good, so far."

Stop being so selfish that you don't even pay attention to others around you, Naomi.

"I didn't realize—"

"It's all good. I hide it well." He winks. "But the day isn't going to get any longer. Let's get ready and go."

We spend all day in the sun, and it's the first day I've had since Andre left I feel human. When I go to bed and fall asleep, I don't wake up until morning.

I have another normal day, but then the night terrors grip me. Blaise tries to wake me up for over an hour.

It's the worst one I've had. It's the same as before, only this time, Emilia, Ezra, and Andre's voices are louder. Even when I wake up, I can't get the ringing of their cries out of my head.

30

Andre

"Andre. What are you doing here?"Gabriella hugs me before I can answer.

"Can I come in?"

"Oh, sorry. Of course." She steps back, and as soon as I get inside, Taytum comes running up. I kneel and hold my hand out to give her a high five. I assume she might not remember me and be scared since it's been a year since I last saw her, but she slaps my hand and leaps into my arms.

"Well, hello, sweet girl."

"Play?" she asks. She has blonde hair and blue eyes and is a replica of Gabriella.

"Not now, Taytum. Let Uncle Andre sit down for a while."

Taytum pushes her lip out and scrunches her face.

I pick her up, twirl her around, and tickle her. She screams in glee. I kiss her on the cheek and set her down, but she follows me to the couch and climbs up on my lap.

"Taytum," Gabriella sternly says.

"It's okay." I bounce her on my knee. "Javier at work?"

"Yes. What are you doing in Florida? How long are you here? And why didn't you tell us you were coming? I could have picked you up from the airport."

I chuckle. "Which question do you want me to answer first?"

"Oh, sorry! What are you doing here?" Gabriella smiles.

"I've got a situation going on, and I need Javier's help."

Gabriella tilts her head. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. But I can't call Javier. Can you call him and tell him to come home, but don't mention I'm here?"

Gabriella crosses her arms. "What's going on?"