Over Again

"No Zayn, we really can't take your money," my mother says to Zayn. Zayn pushes it across the table to her again

"I insist. You need it for..." He trails off, looking down. "But please take it." My mother sighs, then sticks it into a little jar we keep for rainy day money.

It's been about three days since Caleb died, and I've barely done a thing. I do eat, sleep, and bathe, but I haven't really talked. I sniffle and they notice my presence in the room.

"Grace," my mother says. She stiffens and darts her eyes, as if not wanting to make me concerned. Zayn comes over and brings me to the guest room upstairs.

"Are you okay," he asks. At that moment I just break down, sobbing and just absolutely a wreck. He sat down on the bed and I followed suit, crying into his chest. He stroked my hair.

"I'm sorry," Zayn whispered. "I'm so, so sorry."

"Zayn, it just hurts...so much," I gasped and looked at him. "I need him." Zayn let a few tears slip down his tanned cheeks, nodding.

"I know, Gracie," he said. " I'm sorry." I looked up at him, laughing through the tears, wiping his off his cheeks. He leaned into my hand, smiling a little. I wrap my arms around his chest.

"Thank you, Zayn, for giving us the money. I hope Caleb trusts you back in the same room with me again." Zayn nods.

Notes