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Reverie ☀︎ ︎Christopher Sturniolo @ evslvrs 2024.
CHRISTOPHER STURNIOLO
Chris wasn't usually one to head out this late, but Matt had been bugging him all week about picking up something he'd forgotten, and for whatever reason, a burst of motivation struck him. Maybe it was the quiet outside or the rare moment to clear his head, but he found himself walking toward the store, hands stuffed in his pockets as he kept an easy pace along the empty sidewalk. Matt was sound asleep back home, likely unaware that his persistence had finally paid off.
As he turned the corner, his gaze landed on someone stumbling down the sidewalk. She moved unsteadily, like she'd had more than her fair share of drinks, and as he approached, the faint, familiar glow of streetlights caught on her face, illuminating tear-streaked cheeks. It took him a second to register, but when he did, his concern deepened.
It was Aurora.
Chris slowed, not wanting to startle her, but she didn't seem to notice him. Her shoulders were slumped, her head down, and she barely registered her surroundings, wrapped in whatever was going on in her mind. The sight of her, usually so confident and full of energy, brought out a protective instinct he hadn't anticipated.
"Hey... Are you alright?" he asked, keeping his voice soft, careful.
Aurora blinked, looking up at him with eyes that were glassy and unfocused, her lips parting as if to speak but unable to get any words out. She looked like she'd been through hell, and the sadness in her expression struck him like a punch. Then, just as she opened her mouth, her knees buckled, and she swayed forward.
Without thinking, he stepped forward, catching her before she hit the ground. She slumped into his arms, and he held her close, feeling her lean into his chest as her grip tightened around his jacket.
"It's okay," he murmured, steadying her as he gently guided her to lean against him. Her breathing was shaky, the faint scent of alcohol lingering as she rested her head against his shoulder. She was barely standing, looking at him like he was the only stable thing around.
He couldn't leave her like this—not in this state, not here. Glancing around, he made a quick decision. "I'm gonna get you somewhere safe, alright?"
She didn't answer, just nodded weakly, and Chris took that as his cue to guide her toward his apartment. It wasn't far, and he knew his brothers would be asleep. He wrapped his arm around her waist, supporting her as they walked, keeping his steps slow and steady.
By the time they made it up the stairs and through his apartment door, she was barely awake, her head drooping, her footsteps heavier with each step. He eased her inside, grateful that both Matt and the other brother were fast asleep. Quietly, he led her over to the couch, lowering her down gently, and she sagged into the cushions with a sigh.
"Don't... don't go," she mumbled, her words slurred, reaching out a hand toward him. There was something almost desperate in her voice, as though she couldn't bear to be alone.
He took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised softly, crouching down to meet her eye level. "I'm just gonna get you some water, alright?"
She didn't respond, her head already resting against the back of the couch, her breathing evening out. Chris moved quietly, grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen before returning to find her asleep, a faint crease still lingering between her brows. He grabbed a nearby blanket, draping it over her, his movements careful not to disturb her.
As he watched her, the usually confident, party-loving Aurora looked fragile, her expression softened by sleep and illuminated by the city lights filtering through the window. He found himself caught up in the unexpected gentleness of the moment, surprised by how natural it felt to be here, looking out for her.
For tonight, he'd be her anchor, ready to step in whenever she needed, even if she didn't know it yet.
