Last Light

by Claire Kent

But they’re drunk. And drunk men, particularly in groups, will do things sober men wouldn’t.

I’ve seen decent men do terrible things.

My boobs and my hair.

“You weren’t stupid. You didn’t do nothin’ wrong. It was him. It was all him.”

“Not goin’ on your own,” he says. “Anywhere. Not anymore. I was tryin’ to give you space before. Be… respectful. Not crowd you. But that ends now. I’m not lettin’ you out of my sight.”

“I just wanna keep you safe.”

Sometimes we gotta cry ’bout the smaller things because the big things are just too big.”

I want to be everything with him.

I’ll hold on to him tonight. And I’ll let him go tomorrow.

Travis takes a step forward. Away from me.

He’s not mine. He’s not mine.

then I’ll trail around behind you like a lost puppy.

You have me, even if you never want me to touch you again.”

I didn’t think I was allowed to have you.”

I never knew I could want anythin’ as much as I wanted to kiss you. But I knew better than to let myself. I never woulda been able to let you go.”

I’ll be glad to do anythin’ that makes you happy.”