Fragments of Us

Chapter Thirty-Six: Morning

The morning unfolded gently, the sun rising over the treetops and casting golden streaks through the rustling leaves. A light breeze carried the crisp scent of pine and earth, mixing with the faint smoke of the fire they had put out the night before. The world felt still, peaceful.

Milo stirred awake to the quiet hum of birdsong, the warmth of the tent cocooning him. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the fabric. When his vision cleared, his gaze settled on Atlas, still deep in sleep beside him.

Atlas’s breathing was slow and steady, his face relaxed, free of the tension he often carried. His lashes rested against his cheeks, his lips slightly parted, and the morning light highlighted the faint freckles dusting his nose—details Milo hadn’t allowed himself to take in for years.

It was a sight he had memorized long ago, one that used to greet him on countless mornings when they were still tangled in each other’s lives. Seeing Atlas like this again, so close yet just out of reach, stirred something deep in Milo’s chest. A memory. A longing. A quiet ache.

Before he could think too much about it, Atlas shifted, his brow twitching slightly as if sensing Milo’s gaze. His eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep, before landing on Milo.

A beat of silence.

Then—

   "Stop being creepy," Atlas muttered, voice hoarse from sleep, before weakly pushing Milo’s shoulder and shutting his eyes again.

Milo chuckled, shaking his head. "Good morning to you too."

Before Atlas could grumble a response, a voice called from outside the tent.

   "Boys! Breakfast is ready!" Sally shouted.

Milo sighed, stretching before unzipping the tent. The cool morning air rushed in, making him shiver slightly as he stepped out. Sally and Ali were already up, setting up plates by the makeshift dining area.

   "Morning," Milo greeted as he ran a hand through his hair.

   "How was your sleep?" Ali asked, handing him a cup of coffee.

Milo took the cup, the warmth seeping into his fingers. He glanced back at the tent, a small smile playing on his lips. "Better than I imagined."

Atlas was still inside, probably burying himself deeper into the sleeping bag.

   "I'm gonna go wash my face and brush my teeth real quick," Milo said, setting down the coffee.

Ali nodded toward the van. "Go ahead, there's water at the back."

Milo grabbed his toiletries and headed to the van, feeling the cool water splash against his skin as he washed away the remnants of sleep. The cold was refreshing, waking him up fully.

Meanwhile, Atlas finally pushed himself up with a groan, rubbing his eyes as he emerged from the tent.

   "Morning, kid," Ali greeted.

   "Morning," Atlas mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep.

Sally smiled as she flipped bacon on the portable stove. "Simple breakfast today—eggs, bacon, and toast."

Atlas nodded, but his attention was elsewhere. His gaze drifted toward Milo, who was by the van, splashing water onto his face. He watched as droplets trailed down Milo’s skin, catching in the morning light.

Atlas quickly looked away, focusing on the food instead, but something inside him stirred.

A few seconds later, he stood. "I should probably wash my face too," he muttered.