Ash

by D.J. Krimmer

“Ohhhhh HUBBBBY!” Looking up, I see Atlas hanging over the railing at the top of the stairs. “I need my morning words of validation if I’m going to be of any use to anyone.”

“What’s wrong, puddin’?” Atlas’ voice coos in my ear. I groan, not in the mood for his shit today.

“Want to take me instead? We can make them all jealous of our love.” I snort and shove him off me. “Get away, you weirdo.”

Because the lotus symbolizes growing up through the dark and the mud and blooming into something bright and beautiful.”

“You hurt my girl,” he growls in a tone I’ve never heard before. It’s low and threatening, sending chills down my spine. “You hurt my boy.” My heart stops at Ash’s words. “If you think for one second I’ve forgotten that and I’m not going to fix the wrongs done, you’re mistaken, friend. I’ll be seeing you real soon, Josh.”

“No, sunshine, it’s because, from the moment you walked into my train wreck of a life, you brought a light that I’d never experienced. You’re like the sun. You would take that light and warmth with you every time you left. And I don’t want to ever experience another day, moment, or second without your warmth, light, or love.”