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His eyes close “It’s…just like this sometimes” His words are so quiet and low, I scarcely hear them

I lie back beside him, wrap an arm over his chest He muscles tremble as he inhales deeply Does he want me near him? I’ainst his chest, I hear his racing pulse

“It’s a bit like fight or flight, is it?”

His cheek presses against my hair I believe he nods, but can’t be certain

“Do you feel frightened?”

He’s still for a long moment Then he lifts his shoulders

“It s do—” the ones he’s withdrawn fro hihtly “Does this help a bit?” I whisper

“Yeah”

But his breaths are fast and shallow I shiftone another His face is somber; his blue eyes are closed His nostrils flare with every inhalation I cupeffect

Instead, he kissesbreaths His ar our ue strokeseach other

When we break away for air and he’s breathing more slowly, I stroke his face, look into his eyes for so

“Better now” The words are raspy

“Good” I brush ry?” I lean back so I can see his face “Perhaps a bit of toast?”

He nods once

When I return with cinna the door He’s clutching his phone, and I can see his large hands treain