Sane

chapter 14

August 13,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Dezmon POV

After Niya kissed me on the cheek, I sat in the car, my heart racing. The warmth of her lips lingered on my skin, a sweet reminder of our connection, but it also brought a wave of confusion. **What does this mean?** I wondered. Was it just a friendly gesture, or was there something more?

I watched her walk toward her front door, her silhouette framed by the porch light. She looked so fragile, and I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me. **I wish I could take away her pain.** It hurt to see her struggling with so much grief and uncertainty. I wanted to be the one she leaned on, the one who could make everything better.

But deep down, I felt helpless. **What if I'm not enough?** The thought gnawed at me as I gripped the steering wheel tighter. I wanted to support her, but I didn't know how to navigate the complexities of her emotions. **How can I help her fight this battle?**

As she disappeared inside, I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do more. **I can't let her feel alone in this.** The kiss was soft and innocent, yet it sparked something deeper within me—a desire to be there for her in every way possible.

I took a deep breath and started the car, determination settling in my chest. **Tomorrow, I'll talk to her.** I'll find a way to show her that she's not alone—that she has me, no matter how dark things get. As I drove away, a flicker of hope ignited within me. Maybe together we could face whatever came next.

I rolled up deep in my thoughts, feeling the weight of everything on my shoulders. School has really been a lot lately, and with graduation coming up soon, I can't help but worry about how Niya feels. Her sister was supposed to be there, and the thought of her absence is heavy on both of us.

I quit selling weed a couple of days ago. It was a decision I made quietly, almost without thinking. I just haven't felt the need to tell Niya because it didn't seem that important compared to everything else going on. But now, sitting here in the car after dropping her off, I wonder if it's something she should know. Maybe it would show her that I'm trying to change, to be better—for myself and for her.

As she kissed me on the cheek before heading inside, a mix of emotions washed over me. I want to be there for her, to support her through this tough time, but sometimes I feel like I'm stumbling in the dark. How do you help someone when you're still figuring things out yourself?

I know I need to step up and be honest with her about everything. Maybe it'll help us both find some clarity in this chaos. For now, though, all I can do is take it one day at a time and hope that somehow, we'll get through this together.