Max climbed into the car with Aron, the engine humming softly as they pulled away from the curb. The ride wasn't long, but with each passing street, Max felt the weight in his chest grow heavier.
When the car slowed to a stop, he looked up at the house ahead.
And the memories came rushing in.
This place… it wasn't just any house. This was where he had come when he'd been at his lowest—when he'd lost Jay and the darkness had been too much to bear. Back then, when he had needed someone, this had been the place he'd found.
Abby's house.
Pushing open the car door, Max stepped out. Aron followed close behind, silent but steady, as the two of them approached the front door.
I wasn't there when you needed me most, Max thought bitterly. Sometimes I wonder if this so-called second chance at life is harder than my first. Back then, I didn't have people I cared about this much… not like I do now.
He knocked on the door. The sound felt loud in the quiet street.
