His Last Chance, My Last Goodbye

"Seven years with my boyfriend Ethan, and somehow I'd ended up raising him for my stepsister Chloe.

After a patient's family member slapped me across the face during a confrontation at the hospital, I texted Ethan, my eyes stinging:

I got hit. I really need you right now. If you don't come within twenty-four hours, we're done.

He didn't reply.

The next second, a message popped up in our three-person group chat—from Chloe.

Claire! Are you off work yet? Ethan brought me cake and coffee again—even got some for my roommates!