Chapter 74: The Night She Can't Remember

CLAIRE

"Have you made a decision?"

I turned my gaze to Heiji, who was standing still behind the chair I was sitting in. I couldn't find peace, so I decided to stay in the green refuge of my yard and let my thoughts wander. I feel very guilty about what I did to Ryker, which weighs heavily on my mind. At this very moment, I feel like my heart is being broken into pieces that can't be put back together. For some reason, though, I don't want to lock Ryker into a relationship I know will never work out. Furthermore, I have to free him from being tied to me because he is about to take on the grave responsibility of being a father. I worry that the child will grow up without the father's supervision owing to my selfishness.

Heiji set the beer bottle on the table's shiny surface in a smooth movement. The golden color of the glass sparkled in the soft light. He moved quickly and sat on the empty chair across from mine, putting himself in my sight.

"That," he says softly, "will help you sleep.