You let Dana take over like she’s the only one who matters now. And I’m supposed to smile through it?” His father stared at him for a long second, then said, “If you hate it here so much, leave.” The words hit like ice water. Lucas backed away, pulse thudding in his ears. He didn’t argue. He didn’t cry.
He turned and walked out the garage door, down the street, past flickering porch lights and shuttered windows, until his legs led him to the only place that still felt like hers. The cemetery gate creaked as Lucas pushed it open, the rusted metal groaning in protest. A bitter wind cut through the trees, and the air bit at his cheeks.