She didn’t want to leave his side, preferring to stay wrapped in his comfort and his scent for as long as possible.
“I will survive.”
She grabbed her pillows, tossed them onto the bed, and snuggled under the blankets against the wall. Cahir’s weight caused the bed to shift as he climbed in, making Seda lean into him, and she caught herself with her hands on his firm chest. She quickly apologized and turned back around. He wrapped his arms around her and spooned her close.
Without saying a word, they shared each other’s space, and both drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Seda wokeup and gazed at the wall as the soft, orange light of the sunrise streamed through the window. She felt safe and secure as Cahir’s arms wrapped tightly around her and snuggled in closer, pressing her body against his. She relished the moment as if a comforting blanket was enveloping her soul.
She felt the whisper of his breath in her hair, and he tenderly squeezed her hip. Cahir pressed against her backside, and she felt his firmness press into her.
Her body immediately tensed, and her heart started to race.
“I’m sorry.” He quickly pulled away from her.
“I-It’s okay,” she replied, her voice catching.
Memories of that day flooded her, her eyes stinging as she pressed her fist over her mouth, stifling a cry. It had taken a long time, but when she finally confided in Cahir about that day, she felt relieved when he believed her.
For years, she struggled with her own memories. Her family knew something had happened when she returned home with torn clothes and blood that day, but she never explained in detail, never telling anyone who they were.
She only briefly explained their appearance to Cahir, but never shared their names.
She felt disgusted and unclean, as if she had done something wrong.
Bile burned in her throat as she thought back on it, and she let the tears fall.
“I would never hurt you, Seda.”
He had always treated her with respect and kindness, showing no signs of romantic interest. After learning about what happened to her, he took extra care to slow things down even further in their friendship. They only started hugging and holding hands within the last couple of years.
She had no clue if Cahir ever felt that way about anyone. He attracted the attention of many women, but he always kept his distance. The fact that his body reacted that way to her confused her. It could just be a physical thing that happens to some guys in the morning.
She rolled over and stared at him, face to face, inches apart. She pulled the blanket over her mouth and said, “I know you wouldn’t, Cahir.”
He gently wiped away a tear that was sliding down her face, running along the ridge of her nose. “When you’re ready to talk about it more, I’m here. I would like to know who those assholes are who hurt you.”
She nodded and said into the blanket, “Someday.”
She looked away from him, unable to meet his eyes.
“Why do you have that over your mouth?” he asked.
“Because I need to brush my teeth, and so do you.” She smirked, thankful for the change of subject. She took a section of blanket and placed it over his mouth. He grabbed onto it and held it in place.
“What’s our plan today? Isn’t today a day off?” his muffled voice asked into the blanket while staring at her.
“We should catch up with Benny. I promised him and Mom I would let them know when you returned, and I totally forgot yesterday.”
“That sounds like a plan,” he said.
“And…” she began, but hesitated. She chewed her lip before asking, “If you’re okay with it, can we go to the medical wing, please?”
He stared at her for a long moment and then slowly nodded his head and whispered, “Yeah, we can do that.”
The Prayer Song rang out over the distance.
Seda climbed out of bed, and Cahir shifted his body away fromher, allowing her to pass. “I’m going to go brush my teeth,” she said to him as she left the room.
