55

“Push back. Austen, you know how she is. She tries so hard. The brave face masks how scared she is. It’s her dream and she’s close to losing it. With every phone call, complication and road bump, she’s losing her dream and herself. It’s the only thing she’s ever wanted and with you she sees it even more now. Telling you makes it real and relays just how scary and daunting it is and if she can’t it will break her heart and she doesn’t want you to go through that. She wants you to be happy even at the sacrifice of her own happiness. Her pushing you away is her saying she loves you.”

“Look at me.”

He does.

“She loves you and needs you. Push back. She’s so scared, Austen.”

“She masks it so well. I wouldn’t even have found out what happened if I didn’t stumble across the phone call. I want her to tell me. It hurts more not knowing.”

“I know. Just be there for her. I know you’re trying but just keep doing it. She does need it. She’s so brave but she needs someone to hold he