Chapter 5

It was past two in the morning when Elizabeth finally couldn't keep her eyes open anymore and drifted off to sleep.

She slumped over on the couch, her breathing steady and even.

I got up and grabbed a blanket, gently draping it over her.

Just as my hand touched her shoulder, she suddenly opened her eyes. Her gaze was hazy, clearly still half-asleep.

"Don't go," she murmured, clutching my wrist.

"I'm not leaving," I said. "I'm right here."

"You're lying," she muttered. "Everyone always leaves."

Her words barely finished before tears slipped down her cheeks.

I froze, caught off guard.…