Ivan's eyes narrowed. "What?" "It's too much," I told him. "Everything. Just—just one, okay?" He gave me a look, all skeptical and cautious and far too knowing. "You just got out of the hospital, Jett. Your system's already got enough going on—" "It's none of your business," I snapped, jaw tight. "Just give it to me." He didn't flinch, but he didn't move either. "I think you could give it a rest for the day." I let out a bitter laugh, the sound ugly and sharp. "Give it a rest?" I echoed, voice climbing. "You think I can just rest? Ivan, I can't rest. My head won't stop. My chest feels like there's something trapped in it, and I can't even breathe without thinking about how she's just gone. I don't want to sleep because every time I do, I wake up hoping this was just a nightmare and it wasn't. I don't want to feel right now—I just want it to stop."
My hands shook now. I held them out slightly, staring at my palms. "Why can't I feel anything? Not anger. Not fear. Not even pain. Not in the way I should. I can feel everyone else—I always can. But I can't find myself right now. It's like... I'm not even here." My voice cracked then, and the panic surged up too fast. My breath caught in my throat, uneven and jagged. "Why can't I feel anything?" Ivan reached for me. I didn't pull away. His hands closed gently around my forearms, grounding me. "Hey— breathe, okay?" His voice was low, steady. "Just breathe." "I can't," I gasped, shaking my head. My chest was tight. "I can't—" "You can," he said firmly. "You can. Right now. In and out. Just try." I tried. I really did. But it felt like trying to suck air through a straw that was too narrow. "Jett, listen to me." His grip tightened just enough to make me focus. "If you calm down—if you breathe—I'll do what you want. I promise. Just... try."
Ok ik were supposed too super hate Ivan but doesn't this REALLY feel like a set up.for a redemption arc?