Author Note: Song Prompt for this chapter - Zombie, performed by The Cranberries and covered by Rad-D

Sarah

Sarah stared at the open box on her motel bed. She had expected the contents to be little knick-knacks, ornaments, or something, but not literally the story of her grandfather's life. For the past two days, since she had dared to open the box, she had paged through and read several journals. Opened and read letters. Some to the grandmother she had never met, and most to the mother she had lost.

She had been given the gift of experiencing the life her grandfather had sacrificed for her. She had always felt guilty, and it had been the main reason she had remained aloof and cold. She had thought herself a burden.

For years, she had lived like a zombie. Never getting close to anyone or too attached. She had pushed away anyone who showed a genuine connection with her. Love was a privilege she had denied herself.

The few times she had crossed the line and opened the door, it had been cruelly shoved back into her face. All the men she had gotten involved with, whether purposefully or accidentally, had never been good.

Apart from Rick.

She had been such a fool.

Rick had been the first man to excite her with just a smile. To make her feel giddy and warm with just a look. Made her feel safe...and wanted. He had wanted her.

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