Le's Soldier

Part 69

The house felt softer the next morning.

Not tense like the night before — just quiet, like everything had settled but hadn't quite been forgotten yet.

⸻

07:10 AM — Slow Morning

Leah woke first this time.

She lay still for a second, staring at the ceiling, the weight of what she'd said the night before sitting heavy in her chest.

Then she turned her head.

Lilly was already awake.

Of course she was.

Just lying there, staring up, one arm behind her head, the other resting loosely near Leah.

"You didn't sleep," Leah said quietly.

"I did."

"You didn't."

Lilly glanced at her. "...a bit."

Leah swallowed. "I'm sorry."

Lilly didn't respond straight away.

Not ignoring — just thinking.

"I know," she said finally.

Leah shifted closer, careful, like she wasn't sure if she was allowed to. "I didn't mean any of it."

"I know."

"But I still said it."

"...yeah."

Leah's eyes stung again. "You don't deserve that."

Lilly turned her head properly now, looking at her.

"No," she said simply. "I don't."

It wasn't harsh.

Just honest.

Leah nodded slowly. "I know."

There was a pause.

Then Lilly sighed quietly and reached out, pulling Leah into her.

"Come here."

Leah didn't hesitate this time — she curled straight into her chest, holding on tighter than usual.

"I hate fighting with you," she whispered.

"Same."

Leah pressed her face into her. "I trust you."

Lilly rested her chin on her head. "...good."

⸻

08:30 AM — Making Up Properly

The kitchen was quiet.

Lilly made toast — again.

Leah stood beside her this time, not sitting.

"Plain?" Leah asked softly.

"Plain."

Leah nodded. "Thank you."

She watched Lilly move around the kitchen — calm, steady, controlled like always.

"You're still upset," Leah said gently.

Lilly paused for half a second.

"...a little."

Leah stepped closer. "That's fair."

"I just..." Lilly exhaled slowly. "I don't like that you could even think that."

"I don't think it," Leah said quickly. "I swear I don't."