Ch. 119

"Are you still in touch with Toni's Mom? Maybe she knows a healer siren." I asked Dex, picking at a blade of grass. I had found him, and Gabriel, playing in the woods behind the houses.

"Mommy, look at me!" Gabriel called to me as he did a cartwheel.

"That's so amazing, Gabriel. Keep practicing."

"She stopped talking to me after Toni died. She was pretty upset. She blames me in a way for not keeping an eye on him. Her words, not mine." Dex responded to my question. He was watching Gabriel in the distance.

"So Jaime then?" I haven't gone to see the old man in years. Dex hates when I go.

"No. God, no." He shook his head and looked back at me. "I'll do it."

My heart stopped.

"Dex, are you sure? We can find another way. Don't do it if you aren't ready." I placed my hand over his. I don't want him doing this thinking he has to.

"I know, Ember." He used my name and not just sunshine. He's being very serious. "I've actually been thinking about it for a while. I've just been too nervous