[Bonus chapter] Unmasking the Monster

[Notice for sensitive readers: this chapter contains abuse and sexual assault. If you think you may have a hard time reading it, you can email me at author.emme.z@gmail.com for a summary or message me on Facebook.]

- DEX -

The whole way back to the hotel feels harder. I don't want to return, and all the feelings that were streaming behind me, unable to catch up are now slamming into my chest. I was walking with the wind and now I'm walking against it.

Sorrow overtakes anger, and it's then that I consider the possibility that Lawson is hurting as much as I am. Maybe he is capable of being severely wounded. Maybe this is an opportunity for him to change. 

My feet and head and every other part feel heavy when I walk back into the suite. There is take-out on the coffee table in front of the sofa and chairs, and the bitter cold that encases my heart keeping my brother out starts to thaw.