A crack of thunder startles me out of my musings. The sky looks dark and foreboding, filling me with a sense of anticipation. I had always loved thunderstorms, they soothed the roiling rage I kept bottled up inside but now.... Now it isn't enough, the pain of the most recent betrayal has settled too deep. I step off the porch as lightning strikes in the distance, my bare feet sinking into the sand as I make my way toward the raging sea. So intent on stepping into the waves and letting them take me away, I don't see the lone figure standing just down the beach, I don't hear them call out... No, I don't notice them at all until a strong hand grips my arm, dragging me back from the waters edge. I growl in warning but the hand grips me tighter, pulling me closer to them. "What the fuck do you think you are doing?" a familiar voice comes from the darkness. I still for a moment, great now I'm hallucinating too. He cant truly be here, its not possible. "I asked you a question" he prompts his voice tight. Sighing heavily I risk glancing up at the figure holding me, his eyes barely visible in the night but the fury in them evident. The moon broke through the clouds briefly, his grip tightens as he takes in my dishevelled appearance and tear streaked face "who did this to you?" he rumbles dangerously. "Why does it matter, you're not really here anyway" I challenge choking back a sob, struggling to break for the water. Lightning strikes again, closer this time illuminating everything around us. He takes advantage of my momentary distraction and sweeps my legs from under me, taking us both down into the sand and pulls me against his chest. "Why do you think I'm not here?" he asks gently, "because it makes no sense! you live clear on the other side of the world" I mutter my eyes still on the churning waves. "Princess look at me, I'm right here" he croons tilting my chin so I have no choice but to obey, "now tell me who made you hurt so bad that you thought the sea was the only option left". I shake my head, closing my eyes tight against the fresh wave of pain and tears that threaten to overwhelm me and he pulls me closer, stroking my hair and whispering barely audible words of comfort whilst I try to regain control. Eventually he stands, lifting me to my feet and guides us back to the daybed on the porch. Laying me down gently he grabs the blanket and climbs in beside me, draping the cover over us and holds me close to his side. "Sleep for now princess, tomorrow we will talk" he murmurs as he kisses my forehead. Sighing I nestle against him deciding to revel in the comfort for now knowing he wont be there in the morning, he never is, its all just a dream.
