Bewildered by the complex emotions I had for this girl, I took her hand in mine and kissed the back of it. I had no idea why I did it, only that I needed to. “I’m staying, okay?” I kissed her hand again. “No matter what.” “I need you.” “I know.” Nodding, I cradled her hand to my cheek, needing to feel her touch. “I need you, too.” “So tired.” With her eyes still closed, she nodded sluggishly before mumbling, “Please stay.” “I am staying,” I promised, attention flicking to her hand I was still holding. “Right here.”
