Next of Kin (Next #1)

by Hannah Bonam-Young

The side of his lip curls up slightly, but his eyes grow weary. I tire him, I think.

It feels like granting permission. I’m letting him see me fully in return for his vulnerability. I don’t usually allow people in like this. Being open has never gotten me anywhere but heartbroken.

I lower my ear back to his chest, listening to my all-time favorite sound.

“It’s just…whenever I feel like I do right now—content—I think…it’s as if my brain tries to tell me to expect the worst. To brace for shit to hit the fan.”