If Life Doesn't Kill You, Emptiness Will.

Only Us

|| A Short Story ||

• • • • •

I stare into your eyes, you look back. You smile at me and I can't help but feel like my world has stopped completely. I shuffle around to get comfortable and it messes up my hair. You run your fingers through, and I can feel a jolt of energy shoot through my body. I relax. You reach for my hand and I let you grab it. Our fingers intertwine and you lean your head on my shoulder. I ask if you're alright, and you tell me you're just tired.

At the end of each day, I come to you, knowing that everything is okay. As long as I've got you, I feel safe. You wrap your arms gently around me, you even kneel down a small bit just so that I can easily wrap mine around your neck. You start gently and begin to squeeze. It feels like home.

When we speak, it's not awkward. We can have normal conversations, or at least somewhat normal, without hesitation.

I love you.
And this time, it's no joke.
It's real.
I mean it.