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“We found him. He’s in Vegas and had an accident. They transferred him to a psychiatric facility. He’s okay. I spoke to the doctor. No cause for concern. There’s nothing that won’t heal in three weeks.”

His heart tore apart. Angry, he threw the phone away and fled into the haze. He knew that Tristan—plagued by crippling pain—had found no other way out than to turn his overwhelming despair against himself.

The blood burned hot in Leaf’s veins and thundered through his head.

Blow after blow.

What would he give to free Tristan from grief?

I have nothing but my life.

He can have it if he wants.

The thought calmed him, gave him strength to let go again and sink even deeper into the haze.

“Leaf! Are you here?”

Someone was impatiently banging on the door.

“Leaf!”

Probably just a dream.

One of many that had been haunting him lately. Just as often as he had thought he saw Tristan in his cabin.

“I’m sorry! I’m so damn sorry!”

But there was no one—just the haze.

“God, what’s that smell?”

Andrej.

Far away.

“Leaf! Wake up!”

And suddenly so close.

No door separating them anymore.

Leaf slowly opened his eyes and stared down at himself like a ghost. In the sour fog, amid scattered pizza boxes, beer, and whiskey, he lay out on the couch, completely out of it. He wore torn jeans, a Sepultura shirt, black Converse sneakers, and a three-day beard.

“He’s completely gone!” Leaf heard Andrej pacing behind him, his frustration evident in every word.

Is he on the phone?

“He needs a doctor!” Then a growl. “I’m not his damn babysitter!” His voice echoed through the entire cabin. “Fine! I’ll see what I can do. Are you guys already in L.A.?” Andrej stopped. “Okay, then we’ll see each other later. Bye.”

Something shifted in the fog. Fresh air flowed in, and the smoke escaped through the open door to the balcony. The rattling sound as Andrej pulled back the curtains startled Leaf, propelling him to feel trapped in his body again. With his eyes closed, he noticed the light flooding the cabin and felt a warm hand on his upper arm.

Go away!

“Leaf, wake up.”

Leave me alone. We both don’t want this.

Andrej put his arm around his shoulders and hauled him up.