Chapter 56: Lazy Day

After hanging up, the room felt emptier and so did I. Tyler's absence was a void I couldn't seem to fill. At least I still had the promise of Saturday though.

I headed out with a sigh, eager to burrow myself in Ryder's arms.

He was standing in the kitchen, hidden behind an open cupboard.

"Well, I can offer you cereal," he said, shaking two boxes in my general direction, but as I approached he noticed my miserable demeanor and set the boxes on the counter before meeting me in the lounge with a caring hug.

"You okay?" he whispered down into my ear, holding me tightly.

I nodded, but the truth was that I was once again fighting back my tears.

"I'm sorry, Kate. If it makes you feel any better, he really wishes he could be here. And I'm not just saying that. I know how hard these last couple of days have been for him too," he explained, trying to make the pain a little more bearable by showing me that it was shared.

I couldn't find the words to respond, so once again, I simply nodded