GAR
Gar took a deep breath and blew it out. His chest felt tight—and not all from fear. Something had lifted within him.
Hope.
Then he imagined offering himself to Rika and her fleeing him, never to return.
His heart plummeted to his toes.
"Sounds like a blast," Gar said dryly.
His father huffed a laugh. "If the person you love does not receive you, it will feel like needles in your skin, and a spear in your heart. But guess what? When you offer love and do not allow yourself to be shamed for it you find freedom."
"Freedom from what?"
