Lullaby of Love (14 page)

36

shay

The warmth of sunlight on my arms beckons me from a deep sleep, as if I’m waking from an anesthetic state, the weight of it resisting everything inside of me, tugging me back. As I slowly open my eyes to the window and the numbness of another day, a brief tremor of recollection stirs in me and I tenderly move my hand behind me, sliding it discreetly, closely, to feel for him. The smells and sounds of breakfast cooking awakens my senses further, and I close my eyes for just one moment, knowing he’s near.

“. . . Good morning.”
His quiet steps toward the daybed makes me so glad he’s still here and yet, a rise of emotions clash in my thoughts. I can’t bring myself to turn to him, just yet, feeling the coolness of a tear resting in the corner of my eye, wanting to spill down my cheek as I press my quivering lips together, trying hard to control what’s surfacing inside of me. I only slowly nod the back of my head just once.
“Shay. . . can I sit beside you?”
He’s so cautiously kind in all things. . . I haven’t even seen his face yet. . . not really, not in two weeks. . . It was so dark last night, only the small sink light was on. . . left on, before I left. . . I move my head up and down again, not saying a word. His hand smoothes the back of my hair, soft strands fall behind from my cheek. There aren’t words needed. . . just him. I hear the sound of a mug being sat on the nightstand as his hand slides away from my hair. He pulls the blanket higher on my body, covering me, as he carefully lies down bringing me into his arms. I feel a steadiness come to me, and lay still feeling his warmth.

I don’t know how long we laid there for, the light sleep cradling us, protecting the moment in time, easing things, if just for a little while.

dane

She ate smal
l amounts of what was reheated before going to change her clothes and get ready for the walk to her office to check on things. I took the dishes from the table as I arranged a time in my head to run at the track. With it being Saturday, I’d need to be there before the stadium locks up a little earlier than on the weekdays. But even if I couldn’t fit in running for one day, there’s no way I’m abandoning her.

I look her way coming from the bathroom door and smile as I dry my hands, gauging her. She looks tired. The mood is better though, I can see that a little, as I cross the small area to her, the delicate look in her eyes unsure of things, and needing me. I slide my hands down her arms, bringing
her to my chest, embracing her small body. Her cheek moves from under my collar bone as she looks up at me for a moment before casting her eyes closed. I kiss the top of her forehead, keeping her even closer to me.