falling for 13 || Johnny Kavanagh

Let It Go

J O H N N Y

I pushed the front door open, the familiar scent of home doing nothing to settle the storm inside me. The house was quiet, apart from voices in the kitchen. But I ignored them. I didn't care about who was in my house, I only cared about Grace.

My parents had taken in the whole family—Grace, her brothers, even Joey.

But still, the house felt... hollow.

I moved quickly through the hall, ignoring my father speaking in low tones to the guards in the sitting room. My mother appeared at the bottom of the stairs, her face etched with concern.

"She's up there," she said softly.

I nodded, taking the steps two at a time.

The guest room door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open. Grace was curled up on the bed, her body motionless.

Her face was emotionless.

Like she wasn't really here at all.

I swallowed, stepping inside, my movements careful. Lowering myself onto the edge of the bed, I didn't say anything.

Didn't touch her.

Just sat there.

Because I knew.

The silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating.

I watched the slow rise and fall of her breathing, her body curled in on itself like she was trying to disappear.

I couldn't take it anymore.

"Grace."

She didn't move. Didn't acknowledge me.

I hesitated before reaching out, my fingers brushing against her waist. "Say something, baby."

Nothing.

The ache in my chest deepened. I exhaled softly and shifted, kicking off my shoes before lying down behind her. My arm slid over her waist, pulling her against me.

She didn't resist.

Didn't react.

But she wasn't pushing me away either.

I rested my forehead against the back of her head, inhaling the faint scent of her shampoo beneath the lingering smoke.

"I'm here," I whispered, tightening my hold on her. "I'm not going anywhere."

For a moment, I thought she wouldn't respond. That she'd stay locked in that numb silence. But then she moved.

She turned in my arms, pressing her face into my chest. And she broke.

A choked sob tore from her throat, her fingers twisting into my hoodie as she shook against me. I felt every tremor, every shattered breath, and it fucking killed me. I wanted to stand in front of this girl and shield her from all the horror she was exposed to. She was hysterical, I'd never seen her like this before.

"Just close your eyes." I said, my lips right against her forehead. "I'll be here watching over you."
     
"You're always doing that," She slurred, sniffling. "My mind is going on me."
     
"Let it go," I whispered. "You don't need it tonight."