I’m so mad at him; sometimes I wish I could resurrect him just so I could bitch-slap him. Other times I promise God that if he brings him back to me, I won’t complain. I’d forgive him. Pretend it never happened.

Now, I hear Colt and Nora arguing in the living room.

“. . . said we’re moving in together. I’m tired of this shit, Nor. It’s been years. Not months—years!” Colt groans. I wonder if he knows just how thin our walls are as I stare at the ceiling from my bed.

“What am I supposed to do, Colt? She just lost her fiancé!”

“Of four hours!” Colt hits back.

“Don’t be gross.” Nora sounds appalled more than anything else. “What an insensitive thing to say.”

“Now who knows when she’s going to feel better? You’ll be stuck here forever. I can’t do this anymore. I just can’t.”

I agree with Colt. Nora should move in with her fiancé. She can’t keep being my crutch. I muster the energy, fling the blanket off, and hobble to the living room. I rap on the wall three times to indicate my presence.

Nora and Colt both turn to look at me, surprised.

“You left your bed.” Nora’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“Yup.” I’m smiling. It hurts my cheeks so bad I’m surprised I’m not bleeding. “Just thought you guys should know I have plans for this evening.”

“You do?” Nora’s eyebrows reach her hairline.

“Yes.”

“Who with?” she demands.

“Joe,” I say naturally. He is the only person I know in this town other than them, so it’s a no-brainer.

“Nice.” Colt folds his arms over his chest. “Need a ride?”

“No. I just wanted you guys to know, so if you want to go out or anything, you can. I’m totally okay. And while we’re on the subject.” I turn to Nora, taking a deep breath. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done and are still doing for me. But please don’t let it screw up your life. I promise I’m okay. Move out. Live your life. I’m still going to have you as a friend. You can keep an eye on me. You are welcome here anytime you want to check on me. I’ll even let you have our spare keys. I’ve ruined enough lives, Nor. I don’t want yours to be added to the list. Go live with Colt.”

“Thank you, Jesus.” Colt rolls his eyes up to the ceiling, pressing his hands together in a praying motion. “FYI, Ever, I think you’re great. I just . . . I don’t want us to get stuck. All of us. Me. Her. You.”

“Yeah, Colt. Sure.” I smile sweetly at him. “The fact that you keep saying that I’m great totally excuses you from behaving like a world-class dick. Keep up the good work.”