For the Love of Layla

by Callie Moss

Ava

I’m not ready for you to know, not yet anyway. Not until I’ve broken you down to your core and stripped you bare. Don’t worry, I’ll build you back up once we get there. I’ll always build you back up, take care of you. Even when you don’t think you need it.

Layla Burke.”

“Shhh, don’t be scared, baby. I would never make you die alone. I’ll come with you. There’s no me without you, Layla Burke. There’s no you without me.”

“The anticipation is killing me, Layla.” “It’s a shame you don’t mean literally.” He scoffs, “Careful what you wish for. Wherever I go, you go.”

“Are you going to cry, baby? Go on, it won’t change anything. We’re going to continue this little dance until you realize how badly you need me. I will bend you until you break, Layla, until there’s nothing left of you but me.”

If you’re ever fortunate enough to find someone that loves you so ferociously, it turns your world inside out with napalm skies. Never let them go.”

When this is all said and done, please know it was done from love. Every moment has been because I cannot and will not live without you.

“Open the door, little love, please. I know you’re hurting, you don’t have to. It’s hurting me too. God, I love you, baby, I just want you. That’s it. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. You didn’t need me anymore, Layla. I made you need me.”

“I’ve spent my whole life hiding that part of me, the part that… fixates. You changed all of that the moment I saw you, I didn’t want to hide anymore. I just wanted you to see me, Layla.”

There is no you without me, Layla. I told you that. I would have never let you live if I planned to die.”