KYLE

December 18, 3:49 p.m. 43 seconds

(Paxton Museum, Ann Arbor)

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Instantly, several thoughts went through Kyle’s mind. He felt destabilized. Like the time he had been surfing in the raging waters of Teahupo‘o, Tahiti—one of the world’s deadliest surf spots—and lost his balance. A huge wave had flung him off his board and dragged him underwater. The ocean had wrapped him in its wet grip and tossed him around like a goldfish in a baggie. Looking up, he had tried to follow the shadow of his surfboard that pitched with the tide. He had made lung-busting but futile attempts to swim upwards, but he was always beaten back by the heavy pressure of the water. He had flailed and kicked for what seemed like hours—but he knew it was exactly 6 minutes and 18 seconds.

The tide finally stilled and pushed him to the shore and he was able to swim and crawl out of death’s trap. But in those seconds of total panic and fear, Kyle had never felt more alone. He had never felt closer to death. Never closer to Chloe. None of the times he had recklessly played with his life came closer. The moment was paused in his mind. The act of falling into the water drawn out and stretched like time dilation.

Every time Denise came into his life, Kyle felt the same thing.

Now staring from her to Royce, he lost his balance. He was frustrated because he had blocked all of his brother’s efforts to see him and this was deliberate sabotage. No doubt, Denise’s clever handiwork, just like she had played him on Thanksgiving. The memory of the blood on his fists came back with a blow.

Several emotions made his heart race. He was angry because that was his go-to reaction to all the events and people in his life he could not control. He was humiliated because he wanted Juniper to see his better side—not the side he kept hidden. And he was afraid. Afraid Denise would talk to Juniper. Afraid Juniper would not understand. Afraid Juniper would not want to be with him after Denise talked to her. Those were confrontations he did not want to have.

Not when he was with Juniper.