"Carmen wouldn't kill anybody. He was probably just angry."
I sigh.
"Carmen was always a strange kid..even I could tell. He would obsess over death..studying it, etc.
He saw our mother die, Jean. He is terrified of losing anybody, through death, or other means."
"I only know because I heard him mumbling in his sleep. He couldn't do anything."
"Sage's death only brought those bad feelings back. He doesn't want to lose you too."
I jab him sharply in the ribs.
"No it is NOT your fault. You can't help who you love. But he was right, you have to decide eventually. Carmen still loves you, you know. No matte how much he slaps you, that won't change."