When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 155

Jonah’s words made Nelly’s guilt twist even tighter, her chest aching. “Jonah...” Her voice was small as she lowered her head, eyes starting to sting with tears. She wasn’t really this fragile. She’d gotten used to having no family or friends, to loving people who never loved her back, to facing a future that looked uncertain and sometimes even scary. She’d always managed to hold herself together. What she never figured out was how to accept kindness from someone else.

“Did I mess up again?” Jonah noticed something was off and immediately panicked. He hesitated, arm half-outstretched before thinking better of it, then grabbed a pile of tissues and handed them to her instead.

“I’m sorry,” he blurted, over and over, clearly rattled and wishing he could take back whatever he’d done.

Nelly shook her head, clutching the tissues. Then, without thinking, her hand closed around his, the one wrapped in bandages. He’d hurt himself forcing open the car door for her, and not once had he mentioned it.

“Does it hurt?” Her tears spilled over, one landing right on his sleeve.

Jonah felt something shift deep in his chest, a heat he couldn’t explain. “It’s alright,” he murmured.

Nelly almost laughed through her tears. “You’re such a bad liar. How could you bleed and don’t feel pain?” She tried to hold herself together, sniffling hard.

Watching her cry made Jonah’s own heart squeeze. His hand was fine, but his heart was definitely in pain. “Saving you mattered more. I honestly didn’t feel anything at the time,” he said softly. He picked up a tissue and gently lifted her chin, dabbing at her cheeks.

“Why are you so good to me? We barely know each other. Even a real brother wouldn’t go this far…” Nelly let him fuss over her, his touch gentle but making her eyes itch all the same.

“Is it really so bad if I’m good to you?” Jonah tried to laugh, but it came out quiet and helpless.

“…It’ll make me start to depend on you.” The words slipped out, muffled as she pressed a tissue to her face. She was terrified of letting herself hope again. Warmth like this was almost scarier than being alone. Maybe it was better to have no feelings, no hopes, nothing to lose. That way, she wouldn’t get hurt. Maybe she’d just been pretending to be brave all along.

“In the car, you said you’d lean on me this time. Are you taking it back already?” Jonah’s smile faded, but his eyes stayed fixed on her, dark and deep, like a night sky with hidden stars.

Nelly just sniffled, saying nothing.

“After my dad died, I learned I couldn’t rely on anyone.”

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