“It wasn’t a mistake. When we kissed. I couldn’t say that because of how much it meant to me, which is dumb, I know. I should be able to tell you. But I’m terrified of you. I’m terrified that you see the same broken shit in me that’s made other people leave because I’m a fucked-up mess and what do I have to offer you? God, Loch. Look at what you’re doing. Look at who you are.” I pry open my eyes. He’s still facing the canvas, his arm frozen, head cocked to the side. “You aren’t an awakening,” I whisper. “You’re the whole dawn. And I can’t believe I ever thought I’d seen the sun before you.”
