Leave Me Behind

by K.M. Moronova

Irrationally, I feel jealous that she still loves a dead man. I don’t want her to feel that way for anyone… Though, I guess it’d be okay if she felt that way about me.

“Together, our broken pieces can do anything.”

“I’m sorry, Bun, I can’t help how my heart feels. The only thing I know is that I cannot lose you.” He presses a long kiss to the top of my head and I go limp in his arms. “And if you think I’m ever letting you go, you’re wrong. You’re mine. As much as I’m yours.”

“Are you lonely?” I ask, knowing the desire for family but fearing it because of the way I am. It’d be impossible. He chuckles sadly. “I wasn’t.” His voice has an implying lilt. Bradshaw shifts to his side so he’s facing me. “But after you… I feel lonely whenever you’re not around.” His eyes are like ice shards straight into my heart.

“You are where my sanity starts,” he murmurs gravely, his jaw setting and brows knitting. He hates to admit these things to me—that much is obvious. But it warms my chest that he shares it with me anyway. “You are where mine ends,” I whisper back. His eyes soften as he leans up and kisses me. Our souls collide.

“You weren’t supposed to come back for me, you idiot.” I sob. He wipes my tears as he takes me in. “I never left, Bun. My heart and every thought have been here with you all this time. If that makes me a fool, then I don’t give a fuck. There’s no me without you.”

“You should’ve forgotten about me.” Her eyes fill with pain as she glides her hand down my chest. “Impossible.” I take her hand and press it against my heart. “You feel that, Bun? It only beats for you. Bones has been dead for years. I just woke up again when I kissed you.” Her eyes brim with tears but I know my words reach her. “I love you, Bradshaw.”