DUSK BEFORE DAWN || LEE FELIX 18+

Chapter 4: My Moonlight

Edited ✔️

"And then the moon asked, "Who made you stare at me?"

〰️ DECEMBER FOURTEENTH 〰️

Emerie Cynthia Rainn

As I slowly open my eyes, the warm embrace of the morning sunlight greets me, gently streaming through the window. However, a sudden realization hits me as I take in my surroundings; this is his window.

Confusion and panic instantly flood my senses as I come to terms with the fact that it's already morning. With a sense of urgency, I jolt upright, hastily pulling the blanket away from my body.

How could I have slept for such an extended period of time? I distinctly remember informing him that I only needed an hour, not half a day!

Frustration begins to build up inside me, prompting me to instinctively massage the side of my neck in an attempt to alleviate the tension that has accumulated.

Where is he anyway?

Surely, he wouldn't have left me here all alone..

Would he?

I scan the room, noticing that everything is back in its place as if it was never touched. Just as my thoughts begin to spiral out of control, his raspy voice shatters the silence. "Good morning," he warmly greets me.

Swiftly turning to face him, my confusion is palpable. His cheeks appear slightly puffed, and his hair is in disarray. "Did you sleep here?" I inquire, a blend of surprise and concern lacing my voice.

He rubs his eyes wearily before responding, "Well, temporarily, yes. My ex-wife is taking the house, I've been house hunting and staying here in the meantime."

"My receptionist typically arrives around eight forty-five in the mornings. So, if you would like to join me for breakfast, you are more than welcome to. However, if you prefer not to, you're free to leave whenever you want. No rush.."

Realization dawns upon me, mixed with a concoction of gratitude and frustration." I explicitly told you one hour," I reminded him, my tone slightly accusatory; as I ignore his offer.

Meeting his gaze, I find myself unable to decipher the emotions reflected in his eyes. Softly, he speaks, "You did, but you needed the rest. I didn't want to disturb your sleep." His gaze searches mine, as if hoping for understanding.

"I didn't need-" I begin to protest, but he interrupts me, his expression turning serious. "Look, I know you haven't been taking your medication. I thought you could get more rest here, in your safe space," he explains, his voice growing stronger as he clears his throat.

My safe space..

The same space that keeps the nightmares away..

Frowning, I choose not to comment and instead focus on folding the blanket in my hands with care.

"So, breakfast?" he asks once more, observing me silently, patiently waiting for a response.

I nod, contemplating his offer. "I'll go, but on one condition," I reply, returning the blanket to its original place before turning to face him.

His eyebrows furrow, intrigued by my condition, yet he nods in agreement. "Okay, what's the condition?"

"Promise me that you won't let me fall asleep in here again. It's not your responsibility to watch over me," I assert firmly, desiring to regain some control.