Not the same man

Chloe

I didn’t remember falling asleep; being in the arms of the man I loved with all my heart did wonders for my sleeping habits. Without recalling how I ended up on the soft makeshift bed in front of the fireplace, I woke up rested and energized - with a million questions and a few apologies waiting.

Panic hit me when I failed to feel his heat - could it all have been a dream? Was it just a symptom of my addiction to him? A part of coming down from the high and clearing him out of my system? But my fear was short-lived as the refreshing coffee aroma filled the room and reached my nostrils, chasing away my doubts.

Gabriel was here. He found me. He came for me… he loved me.

“You’re awake! Good.” He urged me to make space for him, and I shifted, leaning against the old couch.

A moment later, Gabriel was nested beside me, offering me one of the mugs I accepted gladly.

A few sips of steaming black liquid to clear my thoughts were all I allowed myself before I spoke.

“I’m sorry, Gabe.” I