“It was a dream, Ryan. Open your eyes.”
Russell.
I opened my eyes and found Russell’s eyes were staring into mine. His hand calmly rubbed on my chest as he sat back on his heels. The bedroom lights were on a dim setting, giving me enough light to see where I was and who I was with. I was home with the only person who truly loved me.
“There you are, my boy.” Russell patted my chest and smiled at me.
My stomach dropped, and I felt terribly guilty for waking him up and pushing at him.
“I’m sor—”
Russell leaned down and pressed his lips against mine.
“No apologizing, Ryan. You can’t control them. Something out of your control is not your fault,” he whispered.
“Yeah, but—”
“No, Ryan.”
“I need to get up for a bit,” I murmured.
“You don’t.” Russell moved his hand from my chest to my stomach. “Relax, my boy.”
“I am.”
“You’re not. I can feel the tension in your abs. Let go and relax, Ryan.”
I took a deep breath and let my head rest against the pillow. Russell relaxed and laid on his side, propped up on his arm. He stroked my chest and stomach, instantly calming me.
“I’m sorry about pushing you. I sometimes get lost and caught up in the dreams.”
“It’s all right, Ryan. It’s not something you can control.” Russell leaned over and kissed my forehead. “Whenever you get lost, I will always come find you.”
