Chapter 6
After Vanessa left, Eric kept trying to help me collect the ashes.
Every time, I shoved him away.
When I finally finished, I grabbed an empty suitcase, walked into the girls‘ room, and started packing their things.
There was nothing left in this house worth staying for.
As I was folding their little dresses, Eric followed me in.
“Emily… are you leaving?”
His voice cracked, soft, almost pleading.
First time I’d ever heard him sound like that.
I glanced up at him.
“Of course I’m leaving. Gotta give you and Vanessa your space, right?”
He rushed forward and wrapped his arms around me.
“Emily, I’m sorry.”
“I know I hurt you, but I swear, nothing ever happened with Vanessa.”
“We’re just friends. That’s it.”
Friends?
I’d been stupid enough to believe that once.
Believed him when he said I was his everything.
Believed him right up until he walked out on his family and chose her.
If I’d left sooner, maybe Sophia and Natalie would still be alive.
I hated him.
But more than that, I hated myself for staying so long.
“I think you and Vanessa are perfect for each other,” I said flatly.
“You two deserve each other.”
He shook his head furiously.
22:12
MUSTAN
Chapter 6
“No, Emily. We were the ones who were meant to be.”
“I never stopped loving you. I know you still love me too.”
“I’m grieving our daughters too. But we’re still young… we can try again.”
“You want more kids? I’ll give you as many as you want.”
“Just… give me one more chance.”
He cupped my face, tried to kiss me.
I turned my head.
“Eric, whatever we had died the second our daughters did.”
Then I picked up the suitcase and walked toward the door.
Eric grabbed my wrist.
“Don’t go. I’ll cut back on seeing Vanessa.”
“We can start over, just you and me.”
Right then, my phone buzzed.
Vanessa.
I glanced at Eric and answered on speaker.
“What?” I snapped.
“Emily, let me talk to Eric. Please. It’s urgent.”
Her voice was shaking, desperate.
Before I could say anything, Eric snatched the phone.
“Vanessa? What’s going on?”
“Eric, I need you. Please come, right now…” she sobbed like she’d just lost everything.
Eric didn’t even hesitate.
“Okay, I’m on my way.”
He hung up, ran to the door… and then stopped.
Turned back to look at me.
“Emily… just wait for me.”
22:12
Chapter 6
“I’ll be right back, okay? This is the last time. I swear,”
And then he left.
Just like he always does
22:12
Chapter 7
