Okay, universe.
Okay.
I hear you.
Something’s coming.
Something that will test us.
But we’ll survive it.
We have to.
I gathered my crystals, held them in my hands, and closed my eyes.
“Protect him,” I whispered. “Whatever’s coming, protect his heart. Protect his spirit. Protect the beautiful, vulnerable person he’s finally letting himself be.”
The crystals warmed in my palms. The candles burned steady, and somewhere in the distance, I heard it...the universe’s laughter.
Not cruel. Not mocking.
Just... knowing.
The kind of laughter that said,“You think you’re ready, but you have no idea what’s coming.”
The kind of laughter that said,“This is going to be fun.”
The kind of laughter that said,“Trust me.”
I opened my eyes and looked at my phone.
Julien’s text was still there:Heading into surgery. Love you.
I typed back:Love you too. Be safe. I’m here.Then quickly added,Always.
Because whatever was coming, whatever test the universe had planned, I meant it. I was here. I was staying, and we were going to survive this. Together.
The universe knew what it was doing when it brought us together.
I have to trust that. I have to trust that whatever’s coming is part of the plan.
Even if it breaks us. Even if—
My phone buzzed again.
Another text from Julien:Always.
I smiled despite the fear coiling in my chest.
See? The universe is listening.
It’s going to be okay.
It has to be okay.
I blew out the candles one by one, watching the smoke curl toward the ceiling. I gathered my crystals and returned them to their places, then wrapped my tarot deck in its silk cloth and tried very, very hard not to think about the Tower card.
About lightning strikes and crumbling foundations. About everything falling apart.
