Tobias
I finish vacuuming the living room, taking a satisfied breath at the sight of the clean area rug.
Excitement buzzes through me as I think back to our talk last night.
He actually listened to me. Without judgement. Without shaming me or making me feel even worse.
He just…listened.
I can’t even explain the weight I feel off my shoulders now that he knows everything.
I’m so happy he came back for me.
I needed him so badly last night and it’s as though he felt it.That’show connected we are.
I run upstairs and bundle up our blankets from the bed upstairs. Coming back down to the living room, I drop off a few extra pillows.
Tonight is going to be all about being together. Just like old times. I’ve got the fort items ready to go, and a choice of movies all planned out. Just like old times. Hell, I even have video games on the ready in the case he’s in the mood to get his ass handed to him. The thought makes me laugh to myself. I’ve added some freshly picked flowers from the garden outside, and some battery-lit candles. In case we get a little rowdy and knock something over. Knowing us, it’s inevitable.
I bite my nail, biting back a laugh. I haven’t felt this happy in awhile.
God, I love him.I could do this with him for the rest of my life.
My eye catches on the digital clock above the TV and my breath catches. Shit, it’s almost dinner time.
Running over to the kitchen, I stir the pot of broth I’ve been working on since he left this afternoon. Taking a big whiff of the intense, warm, smell, I get a nose-full of the savory, umami aroma.
Spicy ramen. One of our favorites.
I know Elijah will love it. Especially on a cold day like today.
We can eat this delicious bowl, get all warm and cuddly on the living room floor, and spend the rest of the night just…being together.
Because he’s here.
I smile while stirring the pot.
I have soft music playing on the speaker beside me, as I sway from side to side.
Hearing the sound of the garage shutting, I realize Elijah must’ve parked his car in the garage instead of the driveway.
Smart.
I scoop out a spoonful of broth and blow on it. I know he’d love a taste.
“You’ve got perfect timing.” I smile, blowing on the soup.
I hear his feet slowly stepping behind me on the floor.
But, for some reason, I get a chill down my back. That’s unusual.
Turning, I drop my spoon.
All I’m met with are cold, dead, eyes that look a lot like mine.
And they’re the last thing I see, before everything goes black.
35
