I remember

4

We get to my house after a few minutes of silent driving. I pull into the driveway and shut off the engine.

Ian has leaned his head back, closing his eyes and I think he's fallen asleep. Not that I can blame him. He's been through a lot and the temperature in the car is cozy compared to the close to raining weather outside.

I watch him as he sits there. I wonder if I should wake him up, but I almost don't want to. He looks so peaceful and serene.

"I can feel you watching me" he mumbles

I feel my cheeks redden. I turn my head and look out my window towards my house.

"We're here, at my house" I say

He takes a deep breath and stretches as well as he can in the confined space of the car.

"Looks cozy" he comments

I look to him and see that he's looking out of the windshield and to my house.

"You can stay as long as you want" I say

I get out of the car and make my way to his door. I open it and step aside for him to get out. I shut the door once he's standing beside me.

"Do you have any pets?" He asks, excitement in his voice

"I have a fish" I tell him

He laughs and takes my hand in his. It surprises me, but I don't react for fear of him letting me go.

He swings our hands as we walk to the door. When I unlock the door, he runs his thumb in circles on the back of my hand. I almost drop the keys a few times.

I finally get the door open and let him go in first. He looks so in place, standing in the middle of the hallway. Like he was meant to be in my house.

"You can put your shoes there" I point to where the rest of my shoes sit

He does as I've asked, and stands there waiting for me to take my shoes off. Probably because he doesn't yet know where anything in my house is. But still, it makes me smile that he waits.

"How bout a walk through of your new house?" I offer

"Could I hold your hand while we do it?" He seems almost shy asking

I smile softly and extend my hand to him, which he grabs onto.