#Chapter 128: Can We Talk

Hugo holds me as the overwhelming emotions eat away at me for a while. I hold on, just as tightly, so that I don’t lose myself in the flood of feelings. “I’m sorry,” I say between the tears, knowing that I am making him uncomfortable just with my physical presence. More than once, I try to pull back and put some distance between us, but he just holds on tighter. “It’s fine,” he says. “I’m glad I can be here for you in this moment.” He’s such a good friend that it draws even more emotion out of me. Five minutes later, I’ve cried as much as I can, and I pull back from him. His gaze is steady and kind, his expression gentle. “Better?” he asks me, concern in his gaze. “Better,” I reply. Walking to the desk, he pulls a few tissues from the box and hands them to me. As I dab at my cheeks, I pull away mascara. Horrified, I realize with a start that I must look like an absolute mess. Hugo smiles a little. “Use my private bathroom.” “You have a…?” As I ask, Hugo walks to