“Don’t ask me to let go, please. I can’t.” She quieted so I gave her middle a squeeze as a thank you and let out a long breath. Resting my forehead on her shoulder, I inhaled deeply. Slowly, as if she was afraid she’d startle me, she rested her temple against the side of my head, and something inside me unraveled, my blood boiling hot. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stay away anymore.
