SHAPES UNSPOKEN

-38-

Happy Reading 🥰

Sean Britto

Weeks and weeks pass.

The bruises on Annabelle’s face fade from deep purple to pale yellow, then almost disappear completely. The swelling is gone, but I still see faint marks along her cheek and neck, tiny reminders of what she endured. No one else seems to notice them—but I do.

She moves slower these days, careful with herself, though she tries not to show it.

Tonight, we have dinner with Brian and Jinette. It’s the first time Annabelle agrees to go out since… everything.

The restaurant was warm with soft golden light, the quiet murmur of conversations floating around them. It was the kind of place meant for easy evenings—low music, polished glasses, and the comforting scent of good food.

Annabelle slips her hand into mine as we walk in.

“I’m fine, Sean,” she whispers, noticing the way I scan the room.

“I know,” I say, but my eyes still move from table to table before I guide her to the seat beside Jinette.

Jinette hugs her tightly.

“You look beautiful,” she says warmly.

Annabelle smiles—a real one. The kind I haven’t seen enough of lately.

“Thank you,” she murmurs.

Dinner flows surprisingly easily. Brian keeps everyone laughing with his usual nonsense, and Jinette fills the spaces with stories from work. Annabelle relaxes beside me, leaning back in her chair, teasing Brian when he exaggerates one of his tales.

At one point, she reaches for her glass. I instinctively steady it.

She looks at me.

“Sean.”

“What?” I ask, my thumb brushing hers under the table.

“I can hold a glass.”

Brian chuckles. “Man, you hovering like a bodyguard.”

Annabelle squeezes my hand.

“He’s been like this for weeks,” she says gently.

I open my mouth to defend myself, but Jinette speaks first.

“He is allowed,” she says quietly. “Let the man hover.”

Annabelle doesn’t argue. She leans against my shoulder for the rest of dinner. For the first time in weeks… she looks peaceful.

Later, we get home. The house is quiet. Steph is asleep, and the lights downstairs are dim.

Annabelle kicks off her shoes and walks slowly toward the bedroom. I follow, locking the door behind us.

She’s standing by the door as I enter, as if she’s been waiting for me.

Before I can ask, she steps forward, pressing me gently back against the door. Her arms slide around my neck.

“Anna—”

Her lips stop the words.

The kiss starts soft, careful—but she deepens it. Her fingers thread through my hair, pulling me closer.

When she pulls back, she looks up at me with a small, determined smile.

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

“I haven’t,” I reply.

She raises an eyebrow.

“Sean.”