He laughed.
Actually laughed.
It was the first time we had laughed together in months.
Then he became quiet.
“I can’t give you permission.”
“I’m not asking.”
“I know.”
He looked at me.
“But I also can’t keep pretending she’s supposed to spend the rest of her life alone because it makes me more comfortable.”
I said nothing.
Daniel stood.
At the door, he looked back.
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”
“There he is.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
“And if you ever call me son—”
“I would rather die.”
“Good.”
Then he left.
I stood in the doorway for almost a minute.
Then I grabbed my keys.
Second Chapter closed at nine.
I arrived at 8:56.
Through the front window, I saw Karen behind the counter stacking books.
She looked up.
And froze.
For several seconds, neither of us moved.
Then she walked to the door and unlocked it.
