I call Tyler, and as soon as he answers, I ask if he knows where Archer is.

“He left around lunch because he wasn’t feeling well.”

“Did he say he was going somewhere?” I ask.

“I assumed he was heading home to rest. Why?”

My heart beats faster in my chest, and I swallow hard. “Because he’s not here. He left a note saying that he wouldn’t keep putting my life at risk and for me not to go looking for him.”

“Seriously?” Tyler snaps. “Did something else happen?”

“Not that I know of. I just don’t understand why he wouldn’t talk to me first. How could he just leave me like this?”

After a beat of silence, Tyler responds, “Maybe it’s for the best, Ev. If his past is following him, that could ultimately affect you. He’s protecting you.”

“That’s not good enough for me. We need to find him, Tyler. I don’t care what he thinks. We’re better together, not apart.”

“Archer’s a big boy. He can handle himself. If he left to keep you safe, then you need to stay put. We don’t know what’s going on, so let him handle it.”

I shake my head, hot tears spilling down my cheeks at the realization that Tyler won’t help me. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” I say through a sob. “I love him.”

“I know, and he loves you too. But it’s obvious he’s dealing with something, and maybe he can’t do that with you around.”

“He could get hurt,” I say. “What if I never see him again?”

“I don’t know, Everleigh. I can try to call him, but I doubt he’ll answer, especially if he didn’t wait to tell you goodbye.”

“He sent me straight to voicemail,” I confirm. “Let me know if you hear from him, please?”

“Of course.”

When we hang up moments later, I re-read his letter. I hold on to each word trying to make sense of it, but I can’t.

At least when most relationships are over, the healing process can start, and there’s closure. But this feels different, almost like he was being forced.

After I let Sassy back in, I go into Archer’s room and lie down. It looks exactly as it did this morning. Bed unmade as usual, a lonely sock on the floor, and one of his dresser drawers half-open. Even the panties he ripped off last night are still in place. Wherever he went, he packed without disturbing anything.

Maybe that means he’ll be back? I remain hopeful, but in the meantime, my heart’s shattering.

How the hell were we just talking about getting a dog together to him abandoning me?