Chapter 142: A Mind in Turmoil (Ryder's POV)

(Ryder’s POV)

The silence in the house was deafening. Tyler and Katelyn had left on their trip, and all I could think about was how badly I needed to see her, to try and make things right again. The emptiness gnawed at me, a constant reminder of the mess I had created.

Earlier that morning, I had gone to the therapist my mom had recommended. I hated the idea of seeing a therapist, but I couldn't think of any other way to show Katelyn that I was serious about changing.

Surprisingly, even though it was just the first session, I felt like there was some progress. The therapist, Dr. Henderson, had a way of making me feel understood, and I started to see why people might recommend therapy. It was a step in the right direction, a step toward becoming the person Katelyn deserved.

I sat behind my desk with my headphones on, just blankly staring at the screen while my mind ran the same laps over and over as I asked myself why I'd been so determined to hurt her. Suddenly Ash walked into the stu