it took two hours for you to calm down and come downstairs. i held your hand as we descended and your parents hugged you and my mother even hugged you.
couldn't you see you were loved? i hope you did.
it's been three days since that day and you still haven't opened up to me. i didn't expect you to.
but as of right now, we're sit on my bed as we sit on opposite ends, facing each other while we're cross-legged on my duvet.
"so, you have a friend named jasmine," you restated. i nodded and told you all about her. from her quirky remarks and comforting hugs, you were smiling but i think your mind was someplace else. you were smiling nonetheless. a smile that i was so glad to see again.
"and then-"
stories kept flowing out of my mouth and you nodded and your smile was fading, but i kept telling you them. i told you stories of what happened while you were gone and by the end, your smile was completely gone.
"-and now you're here," i say quietly, looking up at you. the smile is instantly back on your face and i get that familiar warm fuzzy feeling in my chest and as quick it comes, it's quick as it goes.
"now i'm here," you say with a light tone.
"i still don't believe you're here," i whisper to more myself than you, but you heard anyways.
"why's that?"
"it's just," i started to say, flipping the hair out of my eyes. "you were... gone, for so long and-"
"it doesn't feel like i'm actually here?" you asked, finishing my response. i nod and look away for a second before back at you. you're staring at me quizzically and i don't blame you.
"but you're here."
"i'm here."
"can you say that again?" i ask, biting my lip.
"say what again?" you ask.
"that you're here."
"i'm here."
and with a sigh of relief, i say, "good."
