“L-Live,” he struggles out. “W-We… live.” He hops a step to close the distance between us. “Please stay away,” I sob brokenly. “I don’t… want to live.” Eli stops mere inches away from me, but he doesn’t move any closer. His hand hovers in the air, still encouraging me to close that final gap. I reach out automatically. I can’t help myself, and our fingers entwine. His palm is warm and dry. Steady. Reassuring. Alive. “Neither do I.”
