Chapter 136

Keller gets in the shower and helps me wash up. He holds me when I break down and cry again. He shields my face from the water and rocks me in his arms, reassuring and soothing me until I’m able to calm down. He uses a damp washcloth to wipe any remaining blood off my face and neck.

When he’s sure I’m clean, he wraps me in a fresh towel. He wraps one around his waist and leads me out to the bedroom.

“Zara, I have a question. I’m not trying to call you out or anything like that and it’s not very good timing, but this is important.” He sits on the bed and holds my hands in his.

“What’s wrong?” I don’t know if I can take much more right now.

“Zara, this is far and away Mom’s favorite holiday.” He looks up at me and brings my fingers to his lips to kiss them lightly. “She is definitely going to ask what we got each other for Solstice. What do you want me to tell her you got me? I never want to lie to her, but I don’t think the truth will cut it here.”

My mouth opens and closes, but no wo