"But he's not anymore.And he never will be again."
She nods slowly.Takes a breath."Okay.Let's go."
I grab our bag from the back and follow her up the stairs to her flat.She stops outside the door, hand shaking as she reaches for her keys.
"Let me," I say gently.
She hands them over.I unlock the door and step inside first.Check every room.Every window.Every corner.
All clear.All safe.
"Come on," I say from the doorway."It's okay."
She steps inside.Slowly.Like she's walking into a minefield.
The flat looks exactly the same as when we left.But I can see how different it feels to her.Tainted.Violated.Because Declan was here.
She stands in the middle of the sitting room.Just staring.Shaking.
"Enya."I move to her and take her hands."You're safe.I checked everything.There's no one here but us."
"I know.I just..."She closes her eyes."I can still feel him here.It’s like he's watching."
"He's not.He's gone.Forever."
She nods, but tears slip down her cheeks anyway.
I pull her close.Let her cry against my chest.Let her release whatever she needs to.
"Stay close," she whispers."Please.I need you close."
"I'm not going anywhere."
After a while, she pulls back and wipes her face."I should call Mam.Let her know I'm back."
"Good idea."
She moves to the couch.Pulls out her phone.Dials.
I give her space but stay nearby.Just in case.
"Mam?Yeah, I'm back at the flat...No, I'm fine.I'm safe...Yeah, he's here...Devin...I know, Mam...Can Warren stay with you another day or two?Just until I'm settled...Thank you...I love you too."
She hangs up and stares at the phone.
"She wants to meet you," she says quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah.Says anyone important enough to keep me safe is important enough to meet properly."
My stomach flips.Meeting her mam.Meeting Warren.Becoming part of their lives.
It's huge.Massive.
And terrifying.
"Whenever you're ready," I say."I'll meet them."
