Last Light

by Claire Kent

I know what he’s giving me right now isn’t personal. He’s a man who takes care of people, and I’m the only one he has. It still means something to me. This small space where I don’t have to always be strong.

I’m not sweet. Not anymore. Maybe I would have been if the world had stayed the same, but I haven’t had the luxury. I’ve been too busy staying alive. Travis isn’t sweet either. He’s rough and raw and coarse and strong. He’s not sweet. But he’s good. I know he’s good.

He sits for a long time, and I can see he’s thinking, trying to decide. He looks painfully torn. He finally murmurs, “I just wanna keep you safe.” I touch his arm gently. “You have kept me safe, Travis. You are keeping me safe. There aren’t any guarantees in this. Just choose as best you can.”

but the dog climbs onto the couch with me instead. The more I get to know this dog, the smarter I realize he is.

I can’t let him go. I don’t want to.

You’re not gonna lose me, Layne. But I’m tryin’ to tell you that you don’t have to fuck me to keep me. You have me, even if you never want me to touch you again.”

“If you want him… if you really want him… this old hillbilly is already yours.”

“Thought it was obvious. Been crazy ’bout you for ages.”

“Do you think…?” “Do I think what?” “You think I can kiss you? For real?” “I really wish you would.”

“I love you, Layne. You got that, right?” “Yeah. I got it. I love you too.”

“I love you, darlin’.”