Chapter61:

It’s like my lungs and internal organs freeze in sync, and I stand poised, adjusting to what I am seeing. He’s on his balcony, leaning forward with his arms resting on the railing, head down so his forehead is on his forearm, making him look asleep. He is completely still and fully dressed in dark colors, almost invisible. No illumination from his room. He's not moving, and his posture is stiff, wearing his leather jacket over casual clothes. He must have come back at some point and been here all this time. We were occupied in the snug with the doors shut, so he could have walked in freely and come right up without us being aware. I don’t get why he didn’t reply or answer me then. He knew it would just make my mom mad if he missed curfew again, and this time he didn’t. Unless….he only just got here by climbing the tree between our two balconies. My heart lurches into my throat, and I stop before calling out to him. Aware he might get up and go inside if I do. Instead, I rush inside, hu