My chest ached so badly it hurt to breathe. There was no one in the world like her. The music ended, and silence fell in the house as she fell back on her feet, breathing hard. She stayed there, unmoving and quiet. And finally, her voice pierced the air. “Are you here?” I didn’t say anything. “Were you watching?” she asked softly. I wanted to bring her into my chest and just feel her relax, easing her mind and making her feel safe. But she’d smell the smoke still on me, which I didn’t hold back on tonight on purpose. I didn’t want to be tempted to come see her. I did anyway, though. I’d told
...more
