[tos-kah]

She ceased her coloring and stood, straddling my lap, her gaze fixed on the hope tattoo nestled between my collarbones.

Her fingers traced the tattoo with a purple marker, her touch firm just like someone I loved used to do all the time.

I hated...but at the same time loved...that she reminded me of him sometimes.

I wasn't trying to replace him. I was just simply trying to survive by holding onto her instead.

Her hair was cascading over her eyes and I reached out to tuck it behind her ears.

"Show me your eyes, gorgeous." I murmured as she met my gaze.

She continued to stare as if searching for something within me to reassure her. And then in a moment that felt like a dream, her lips met mine.

It was the first time she had initiated a kiss and it was as if I was experiencing my first kiss anew.

I responded immediately pulling her closer by her waist.

By now I could feel her tears amidst our kisses but she did not pull away until she had to, looking at me one last time with her sorrowful green eyes before wrapping her arms around me.

"It helped," she whispered.

(TW: contains spoilers)

TW: abuse, death, suicide, suicidal thoughts, self harm, eating disorder, suicide attempt, murder, depression, drug abuse, child neglect, rape, sexual assault, graphic scenes, child loss