For Shits and Giggles [2024]

Chapter 29

Camilo pulled Gracie into his lap. They were sitting comfortably on the couch, an old romantic comedy playing on the TV. It was getting colder outside, they were both wearing soft pajamas fresh from the dryer. There was a warm mug sitting on the coffee table in front of them—hot chocolate and mini marshmellows. He hugged her closely, nuzzling his nose gently into the nape of her neck.

"You smell so good," he mumbled, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed his nose into the side of her head, inhaling her hair deeply.

"Do you like the new shampoo I got you," Camilo asked, turning her cheek so he could gaze into her eyes. They were tired, soulless. But she smiled.

"I love it," she said softly, her lips were chapped. Dehydrated. She hadn't had much motivation to eat or to drink lately.

"I knew you would," Camilo said, a self-satisfied smile curling his lips as he stroked her hair. He picked up the warm mug and pressed it to her lips, tilting it just enough for the liquid to slide past her parched lips and down her throat. Gracie swallowed obediently.

These days, she felt like a doll—moved, fed, bathed, and dressed without a hint of will or spirit. Camilo took her on strolls around the lake, always careful to keep her out of sight. She barely did anything on her own anymore, and he seemed to take a perverse pleasure in her dependency.

Whatever it takes, she'd think, to never have to go into that Box again.