That demolish and reconstruct something entirely different—something permanently marked by the knowledge that everything changes between inhale and exhale.

Seconds.

That’s all it takes.

Blink.

Gone.

Only darkness remains, with echoes of words forever unspoken.

73. God, Can You Hear Me?

CHAPTER 73

GOD, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

NATE

The car is too quiet, just the low hum of the engine and Jay drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. I shoot a quick text to Nora, telling her I'm on my way back. To her.

I rub my hands over my face and exhale sharply. Scott's words, his sneer, still cling to me like oil on water. I wanted to tear him apart, but I couldn't let him win by dragging me down to his level.

Jay glances at me, his voice slicing through the silence. "You good, man?"

I nod stiffly. "Yeah. Just—keep driving."

The road stretches dark and endless ahead of us, headlights painting yellow ghosts on the asphalt. I stare out the window, watching the trees blur past, until something catches my eye—a flash of white off the side of the road that feels wrong, like a bone jutting through skin. It's nothing at first, just a car pulled over. Then reality fractures: the mangled front end, glass scattered like diamonds in the dirt, and the unmistakable curve of the Jeep's fender twisted into something grotesque. My chest constricts as recognition hits—I know that car. I know who drives that car.

"Jay—pull over."

"What? Why?"

"Pull the fuck over! Right now!"

Jay slams on the brakes as I fling the door open, the car still rolling. I'm running before my feet hit the ground, gravel crunching beneath my boots as I race toward the wreckage. The smell hits me first—gasoline sharp enough to burn my nostrils, mixed with something metallic and sweet that turns my stomach. Then I see the flames, hungry orange tongues licking at the hood, reaching for the night sky.

"Nora!" My voice shatters like the windshield I'm staring through, my hands trembling as I yank at the door handle until my muscles scream. It doesn't budge.

Jay appears beside me, his face ghostly in the firelight. "Shit. Is that gas?"

"Help me get her out!" The words tear from my throat.

We pull at the door until our arms shake, but it's sealed shut. My fists pound against the glass, each impact a desperate prayer. Jay disappears and returns with a rock.

"Stand back!" He hesitates for a heartbeat, his eyes locked on Nora's still form. "Sorry, Nora," he whispers before bringing the rock down.