“Thank you, I truly needed that.”
“That was nothing! And, I adore hugs.” I give her a big smile.
“We should probably get some sleep.” She says, drying her eyes with the back of her hand. “I will sleep on the sofa, you will get my floating bed.”
“But...”
“There’s nothing to argue about.” She says, making it clear to me that there’s no need to question her decision.
“Thank you, truly.”
After undressing, I place myself in her bed, cuddle up with Daffodil by my side, and place the fluffy blanket on top of us.
Drifting away, hoping to get a good night’s sleep, my brain quickly proves me wrong as all my dreams turn into memoriesof him holding me. The memory of me laughing so hard I was about to cry, and him lifting me up and placing my body over his shoulder. The way he made me feel so safe, so likeable.
The memory of him and I running around, so foolishly fighting over some breakfast, and how close he held me to his body, his warmth pressing against my back. His facial expression was vivid, it was one of sadness and pain.
Remorse filled my body. I blamed myself, felt ashamed of knowing I said such a mean thing to him, not knowing that he would no longer be with me.
Twisting and turning in the bed, tears spilling from my eyes, I realize that I would do anything just to spend one more moment with him. One more innocent moment before everything went so terribly wrong. I would do anything to feel his warmth, to see his smile, and feel loved without thinking of me falling asleep beside his cold and purple body.
Chapter 33
Genevieve
With a rising sun that cast rays through the square windows, it didn’t take long before I woke up, eyes puffy and my mouth dry. I sit up, staring at my surroundings, but Illysia is nowhere to be found. She is no longer placed on the red sofa where I last saw her.
Daffodil is no longer by my side, and I can feel anxiety washing over me. Had I not trusted my gut feeling? Just as I let myself question the situation, the door flies open and the girl with beautiful auburn hair stumbles in with a basket in her hand and the deer following by her side.
“Oh, you’re awake!” She speaks with a pitchy voice.
“Good morning.”
“I figured that you needed some sleep, so me and Daffodil went outside and plucked some berries for you.”
“You did?”
“Yes, of course.” She says, full of sweetness.
“That’s... I don’t know what I can give back to you.” I stumble on my own words.
“Your kindness would be good enough.” Another gentle smile appears on her rosy lips.
Lifting myself from the bed, my toes touching the cold floor, I walk closer to her and peek inside the basket. “Oh gosh, I love strawberries.”
“Perfect! I will make a little bowl for you.” She breathes. “And, how are you? You look... Drained.”
“It’s been a lot.”
“Do you mind telling me?”
A lump forms in my throat, making me feel sick. “I don’t think I can yet.” I say, pressing down all feelings to keep myself from crying, from breaking down.
“I won’t pressure you. Just know that I’m here if you need someone to talk to, okay?”
“Thank you for being so nice.”
“That’s what I’m good at.” She laughs. “Do you want to hear a joke?”
