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the in-between.
“Can we do something different today?” I asked, relaxing into the welcoming comfort of your bed. “We’ve been doing so many things that I can’t exactly wrap my head around.”
“You’re right,” you agreed, joining me. “And it doesn’t help that you’re constantly confused.”
I scowled. “Thanks for looking out for me, buddy.”
“No problem.”
I grabbed a pillow and lobbed it at you, laughing when it met its target. “No problem.”
You shrugged it off, and pushed the pillow aside, suddenly serious. “Are you tired?”
Surprised, I lifted my head up to sneak a look at you. “Slightly. Why?”
You smiled softly. “Nothing. Just thought that I’d tell you a story. Something new, right?”
I kept silent, only moving to shift a hand behind my head. You kept your eyes on me. “Why? Is it too ordinary for you?”
“No,” a sigh escaped my lips. “A bit unusual for you, that’s all.”
I could already see your scowl without looking.
“Hey,” the bed dipped as you lay back too, and I shifted to make more space for you. “I’m not usually this boring.”
I smile, “I know that.”
“So, want to hear that story or...?” You propped yourself up on an elbow and looked down at me, expectancy playing on your features.
I closed my eyes to avoid myself blushing at our close proximity. “Let’s hear it then.”
Your smirk played up, and you lowered yourself back down onto the bed. “Once upon a time, there was a boy...”
+
Serenity — the only thing I could feel as sleep lulled me in. A comfort rarely experienced wrapped itself gently around me, and for a moment, I was back home as a normal person. No brain disease, nothing.
Mum was draped over the sofa and watching a drama series on Netflix while Dad was whipping up something tasty in the kitchen, apron around his waist and spatula in hand.
I couldn’t stop an affectionate smile creeping onto my lips. It has been a long time since I’ve seen this — a normal life where I could pretend that I was an ordinary girl.
My nose was tickled, and curtains were lifted from my eyes. I didn’t sit up immediately, because some strange force was pinning me tightly to the bed.
Stiff, I looked down slowly, and there you were, hands enveloping me in a gentle embrace, nose nestled in my chest, and chocolate hair tousled, the comforters over us.
Heat was crawling up my skin, but I couldn’t bear to peel you off me, so I let you be, opting to play with the ends of your hair instead.
Heart beating steadily, I swept stray strands away carefully away from your eyelids. Maybe I didn’t notice before, but there were dark circles beneath your eyes, framed by delicate and small lashes.
Wait — what was I doing here? Why were you here? Was this your house? Why was I in your bed?
No matter how conflicted I was, I shook you awake, and watched as you blinked sleepiness away.
“Monroe,” I whispered urgently, and you groaned in reply, reluctant to let go of me. “What am I doing here?”
You sniffed, scrunching your nose cutely as you fidgeted under the covers. “Don’t go just yet. I texted your mum. She said you could stay.”
“But–” I protested, my words dying when you drew out a lazy reply:
“Shut up and sleep. You didn’t hear me finish my story. You owe me one.”
I scoffed. “At least tell me another. It was so boring that I fell asleep.”
A weak groan left your lips, and you snuggled closer, making me wonder if you even knew what you were doing.
