Chapter 63

• Stepping out of the hospital, I wrapped my arms around myself, the crisp air sharp on my cheeks. Howard’s voice still echoed in my ears—soft, uncertain, real. I kept replaying the look on his face, the unguarded honesty in his apology. I had never seen him like that before. It made something tighten in my chest, a mix of hope.
• I headed toward the bus stop, weaving through the late commuters and headlights that washed the street in gold. My mind wandered: Was he really changing? Could he finally be letting down those walls? Each step away from the hospital, away from him, I felt that tug of longing—the desire to believe things could be different this time.
• A car pulled up beside me, honking insistently. At first, I didn’t notice, lost in my thoughts. Then the noise grabbed my attention, and I looked over to see Mr. Carmen behind the wheel.