“You know, I think I believe you. Even though I shouldn’t.” I feel the slightest bit of tension loosen from his bunched muscles. “Yes, you should.” One of my ribbons slips from its bow, the golden length looping around his arm, and an entirely too pleased look crosses his face. “Your ribbons seem to like me.” “Well, they don’t have brains, so…” The richest, deepest laugh I’ve ever heard lumbers through him and wraps around me. I almost lean toward the sound, like I want to bury myself beneath its bark.
