“Let me hug you, Lu?” I bite my lip, tears welling in my eyes. I hate crying. I hate it so much. “Lula,” he says, opening his arms. “Please. You’re killing me, standing there, sad and quiet and hurting. I’ve gotta do something—” I throw myself into his waiting embrace, and his arms wrap around me, tucking me close. My head under his chin, his hand splayed across my back. This is like no other hug I’ve ever had. He’s warm and strong; his shirt is cloud soft, and he smells like pure comfort. My arms twine around his waist. I bury my face in his chest and breathe deeply, trying so hard not to
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