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Maybe it was He who had sent Monroe to me

Or maybe it was just fate

Or maybe none of it was real Maybe none of it ht

I tried to wiggle ht and cra pains up hs and to wake up Monroe

She ainst me, her hair a wild mess that spilled over my chest It took a few seconds to clear it from her face, and when she did, her eyes, those pale, crystal clear eyes, gazed up at me in a way that made my heart twist

“Hey,” she said, her voice raspy

I didn’t answer because nothing seeh No one word or phrase could cover what I was feeling Instead, I bent forward and kissed her forehead,her jaw, and then I brushed the softness of her mouth

“Thank you,” she said softly

I nodded and just held her for as long as I could She didn’t say anything else, and I was cool with that Somehow, it was easier to confess and reveal when you were in the dark, but here in the early dawn, it was harder

For now, holding her was enough At least, I hoped it was enough for Monroe, because I would do anything to take away the pain I’d seen the night before

Anything

“Oh ht!”

Monroe rolled over and was on her knees before I had a chance to do or say anything

“Graet to the house now Maybe she won’t know I left Maybe she’s still in bed”

I nodded