Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Javier and Nia keep a wary eye on Rico's presence in town. Javier goes to Rafael's to check in, and Rico shows up, leading to a tense confrontation. Javier handles it without violence, but Rico threatens to bring more trouble. The chapter ends with Javier and Nia reaffirming their commitment to face whatever comes together.
Morning came slow, the way it always did in Alabama. Gray light crept through the curtains, and somewhere outside, a rooster announced the day with the kind of confidence only a bird with no real responsibilities could have. Javier lay still, Nia's arm draped across his chest, her breathing steady. He had barely slept. Every creak of the house, every gust of wind against the windows had pulled him back to alert. But he had stayed. He hadn't gone to the motel. He hadn't picked up a weapon. He had just held her and listened to the dark.
Now the light was here, and with it came the weight of what he had to do. Not fight. Not run. Wait.
Nia stirred beside him, her eyes fluttering open. "You been awake all night?"
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