The Moth

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Rooftops// Stay

She woke up screaming that night. Shivering and shaking uncontrollably, and I got scared, watching her like that. I knew it was probably haunting her. She'd spent the last few months or so slowly telling me his story. Her story. How he came and left in the span on one breath and left only a longing behind. She'd only finished a while ago. No wonder the nightmares were kicking in again.

"Cecilia!"

I shook her. "Hey, hey! Get up."
Her eyes tore open,tears streaming down the sides of her face. She stared at me, looked around, then studied her hands.

"I saw him," she whispered. "He was...he was here. And then, then he died all over again." She sat up, kicking off the sheets.

I sighed and closed my eyes, collecting myself and ignoring the dull pain in my chest. This wasn't about me. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

"It was just a dream." I tasted the bland words in my mouth, knowing how many times those words are thrown around. They lost their meaning.

She laid back down and curled up as I pulled a blanket over her. I pushed my hair off my forehead and rubbed the back of my neck. It wasn't easy holding up someone in love with someone else. Each time she brought him up was like a stab in the face. I turned away from her, sliding off the bed.

"I should go home."

I turned to look at her. "It's too late for that."
She knitted her brow. "But... I shouldn't even be here."

"But it's still raining outside."

"I can't take over your whole bed. I'll leave." She pushed the blankets off and slid out, searching for her shoes.

"You sure? But—"

She smiled at me, crossing one arm over her body to clutch the other one. "I can't sleep here, Noel. I'm sorry I nodded off. I really should go."
"You're welcome to stay though." I bit my lip, looking back at the bed.

She laughed quietly, shaking her head."I'll find my way back. I'll... see you tomorrow?"

She slid past me and out of the bedroom door.

"Hold on. I'm coming." I followed her.

"You don't have to," she whispered. "I'll lock the door behind me."

I shook my head and put on a jacket. "No, I can't let you go alone."

We walked to the front door and she opened it, turning to me.

"It's okay, Noel. I'll be fine. Don't follow me."

"Tch. Fine. But here." I slid off my jacket and handed it to her, watching her smile and slip into it. She turned to go.

"Wait." I grabbed her hand. "I... I will see you tomorrow, right?"

She laughed. "Of course."

Her eyes watched me and she held my hand for a second too long before letting go.

"Bye, Noel. Good night."

"Night."

She couldn't leave in the morning like a normal person. Or just stay.