Chapter 8

A wave of sadness washed over me. Over the years, Fred and I had grown so distant. Ever since our parents passed, we hadn't really sat down and had a proper conversation.

After a long silence, he adjusted my blanket and said softly, "Had a nightmare again, huh? Go back to sleep. I'll stay here with you."

My eyes stung with tears, but I nodded and obediently lay back down.

"Fred," I called out quietly, peeking my head out from under the covers. "Do you still blame me?"

The room was dark, the lights off. From the shadows, Fred's voice came gently. "No, I don't blame you. It's my fault. I should've done better for you all these years."

I pulled the blanket over my head and let the tears silently roll down. It felt like all the heartache of the past few years finally melted away in this moment.

After what felt like forever, I lifted the blanket again. Fred was still sitting by my bedside, watching over me.

I remembered the white bandage wrapped around his left hand. My voice hoarse