The Edge of Despair

ave her lips knock the

me. At my place. After th

yell, compl

. "Come on, Edward... you remember how we used to go all night,

w, just like that, someone offers a lifeline-but with a catch. Your body, in exch

ou wouldn't be cheating on anyone. It won't change anything, righ

Kailah?" you ask, voice lo

ou still have that fire... I missed that,"

e. Text me the address. I'll

. I'll be waiting," she purrs, the

ower offers little relief, and it hits you harder that Celine has taken

y touched. There's a part of you, the lonely, aching part, that welcomes the idea of bein

ou try to rest, knowing the nex

the hospital to sit with your son. His tiny hand is cold

the steering wheel, a mixture of shame and desperation coursing thro

y opens, she stares

d? What are y

u sent me your address. You said if I spent the

. I barely even remember running into you. I didn't mean anything I s

u lean against the wall, stunned, trying to

y last hope," you say

Truly, I am. But I can't hel

s the do

lenched. Then you turn and walk away-back to the hospital, back

n. You don't deserve this. You're just a child..." you ch

nknown number. You hes

el

Johnston?" a d

by your full name in yea

" the man says. "But I called to inform you your fa

ather's been dea

ted only after two years had passed. You are to take over his

ed you like his own. He rejected you, cas

ts shaking. You scream for the doctors, panic taking

eling like a lifetime. The machines beep

l in your hand. Th

thing from my father," y

s your son?" the

fr

s r

ne that could benefit both of us. But we

ne goe

oice calls out. "Young mast

re the one who ca

I was your father's personal

brow. "And

our father's next of kin. The money is your

nt. Then, with trembling han

r your

r the

for

g, the doctor walks

Edward. We tri

umble. "What do you me

im," the d

he surgery! Save my son!" you shout

repeats softly

l to yo

eam

yi

ng yo

hidden the money before... maybe he'd

a firm hand on

. I'll arrange a proper burial for him. Y

n't re

ors, wishing time could rewind...