Chapter 7

We knew each other all too well. We knew exactly what to say to hurt the other. My words hurt Gideon. He wasn't someone who cried easily, but it seemed like he'd been crying a lot in the past few days. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he looked at me with guilt in his eyes. "Please, don't say that." I wasn't done with him yet. "What else do you want me to say when that's the truth?" Juno was playing with ants in the grass. She called, "Mommy look, they can't find their way anymore!" I walked over and gently told her a fairy tale about ants. Gideon's feet dragged as he came over. It was as if covering the short distance had taken a toll on him. After some time, he stood behind me and choked out, "Can it wait until tonight? I'll leave after tonight." It started to rain after he spoke. I did not answer him, agreeing silently. It didn't matter as long as he left. … The next morning, Juno ran toward the door excitedly as usual. I helped her open the door. Gideon was not there. Th