@@@@@The full-size mattress is only inches away
@@@@@The full-size mattress is only inches away from the
rough stone walls on either side
It gives me a deep, rich sense of joy to see Jamie asleep on a real bed, his head on a soft pillow
His lanky arms and legs sprawl out, leaving little room for me where I am meant to sleepHe is
so much bigger in reality than the way I see him in my headAlmost ten–soon he won't be a
child at allExcept that he will always be a child to me
Jamie breathes evenly, sleeping soundThere is no fear in his dream, for this moment at least
I shut the door quietly and go back to the small couch where Jared waits
“Thank you,” I whisper, though I know shouting the words wouldn't wake Jamie nowThis couch is much too short for youMaybe you should take the bed with Jamie“Mel, you're only a few inches shorter than I amSleep comfortably, for once
Next time I'm out, I'll steal myself a cot or something
I don't like this, for lots of reasonsWill he be leaving soon? Will he take us with him when he
goes? Does he see this room assignment as a permanent thing?
He drops his arm around my shoulders and tucks me against his sideI scoot closer, though the
heat of touching him has my heart aching again
“Why the frown?” he asks
“When will you… when willwe have to leave again?”
He shrugs“We scavenged enough on our way up that we're set for a few monthsI can do a
few short raids if you want to stay in one place for a whileI'm sure you're tired of running
“Yes, I am,” I agreeI take a deep breath to make me brave