The Boss Wants Me Back

During my usual check-in at the clinic—business with Darian disguised as concern—he slipped out like a ghost. Quick, silent, untouchable. A pattern by now. I was used to it. The sting of rejection used to hit like a knife; now it barely scratched.

I took my meds, walked home alone. The streets felt hollow, like a crew missing its capo.

When I checked Twitter, Selara had tagged him: “Just a mild fever, but he insisted on bringing me to the clinic. Stayed by my side ever since. Still my strongest protector!”