Half a heart ( Book 1)

Chapter 6

⚠️Tw: anxiety, depression, death of a family member, crying, hurting, fear, trauma, tiredness⚠️

Charlie's POV:
I went up to my room, wiping my eyes. Pulling my big suitcase out from under my bed, I started packing most of my clothes and shoes from my closet, along with my school uniform since I still had to go to school.

I packed my laptop and phone chargers into the small compartment at the top of my suitcase along with my stuffed cat toy. But before I put it in there, I went to Tori's room and sprayed it with my favorite scented perfume of hers, then I put my toy in my suitcase.

Making my way downstairs with my suitcase, Detective Sam gave me a soft smile and asked, "Have you got everything kiddo?" I smiled back, nodding my head as I grabbed my school bag and put Sprinkles in her cat carrier.

I made sure to have my house keys in case I wanted to come back for anything and got into the back of the car.

It felt weird sitting in the back of the cop car at 16. I didn't think I would ever be in the back of the car ever, but here I am on my way to the police station.

As we drove, I couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness settling in the pit of my stomach. The reality of losing Tori was sinking in deeper with each passing moment.

Detective Sam tried to engage me in conversation, asking about school and how I was feeling, but my responses were monosyllabic at best. My mind was consumed with thoughts of Tori and the life we had shared together.

The car ride felt like an eternity, the silence broken only by the occasional sound of Sprinkles shifting in her carrier. I found solace in her presence, a small source of comfort amidst the chaos of my emotions.

As we pulled up outside the police station, my nerves began to rise again. I started wondering if my new parents would like me, would they accept me for being gay.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Detective Sam returning with a glass of water until he gently placed it on the coffee table in front of me.

"Here you go, Charlie," he said softly, his expression filled with empathy.

"Thanks, Sam," I replied, offering him a grateful smile as I took a sip of the water, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.

Detective Sam settled back into his chair opposite me, his gaze warm and reassuring.

"How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I sighed, setting the glass of water down and meeting his gaze.

"I'm trying to stay strong, but it's hard," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"I understand," Detective Sam said softly, his tone sympathetic. "Losing someone you love is never easy, especially someone as special as Tori."

Tears welled up in my eyes at the mention of Tori's name, her absence a gaping hole in my heart.

"She was more than just my sister," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "She was my rock, my confidence... my everything."

Detective Sam reached out, his hand resting on mine in a gesture of comfort.

"I know, Charlie. And she loved you more than anything in this world," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

I nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude wash over me. Tori may be gone, but her love and guidance would always be with me, guiding me through the darkest of times.

As we sat there in silence, the weight of grief heavy in the air, I found solace in Detective Sam's presence. Though the road ahead would be difficult, I knew that with his support and the memories of Tori by my side, I would find the strength to carry on...