Last year I’d been too shattered from my dad’s death to go. And this year, I’d never responded to the group text about it. Instead, I’d drunk wine coolers on Anneliese’s roof and watched the fireworks from there while the kids ate peach cobbler and danced to someone else’s music blaring out of an open window.

“So why pick tonight to finally get back to me? Four months is a while for you. You’re not usually that stubborn.” I pick at a loose thread on my jeans.

“I spoke to Gavin. He said you had some stuff to tell me.”

She snorts. “Do I ever. The bracelet is only the tip of the iceberg, my friend.” But even through the snark, I can sense the underlying sincerity, the soft quiver in her voice that only I, who have known her for so long, can catch. “You need to cut off contact immediately. I was right about her. I’m always right.”

I hedge my bets. “Hit me. Why?”

She takes a breath and exhales. “You have to promise you won’t go AWOL on me again, okay? Because you’re not going to like what I have to tell you. It might even be painful and, like...” She takes another breath. “Okay, you know I’m not great at this shit, but you have to know that I’m here for you. Like, you’re my sister, okay? For real, I consider you family, and I’m not just saying that because of your current circumstances. Truly. I love you, Suzy. And I can’t have you disappearing on me for four months again. I talk a lot of shit, but I want the best for you. I want you to be safe and happy and work through your stuff. Whatever you need, I’m here to help you out and hold your hand. Just please, please know that. You have people who care about you.”

It’s not I miss you. But for now, it’s enough. And I’m nodding and holding back tears at the same time, until I realize Beth can’t see me. “Just tell me whatever it is. Gavin already gave me the info about Caleb.”

So she does.