Chapter 228: Chapter 228: Apologies

Alison was waiting for me when I arrived at Johnny's. I saw her standing by the door, bouncing impatiently on her toes as she stood there, alone. As soon as she spotted me she began to wave, jerking little motions with her hand, a wide smile plastered on her desperate face. My heart, already softening, cracked open and forgave her.

She rushed forward the second I parked, wrapping her arms around me, hugging me so tightly I could feel every bone in her ribcage. Alison was always thin, but how did I miss she was turning into a skeleton?

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," endlessly, on and on, whispered into my ear until I pushed her gently away and tried a smile.

Succeeded. "Al," I said. "It's okay."