Brandon's POV
You know that moment right before something irreversible happens—when the air feels too tight in your lungs, and your instincts start screaming, but your feet keep moving anyway?
That was exactly how I felt when the car engine coughed once, twice, then finally gave up with a low, tired sigh and rolled into silence.
The silence rushed in to fill the space.
For a second, neither of us moved.
Mr. Pat's hands stayed on the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. He hesitated, drew in a deep breath through his nose, then slowly turned to face me.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.
I waited for half a second then nodded.
" Yes I'm sure," I said.
It came out steadier than I felt.
