Get Close Novels & Stories

She gave a wave of dismissal as Darius gently laid a sleeping Dahlia in her cot. “Goodnight, then.” She walked with him to the door, where he turned around and stared at her, words he couldn’t possibly say crashing on the floor of his mind. “Goodnight, Darius,” Astrid said, her hand lingering on the doorknob. She wanted it to be a mutual goodnight – she would only close the door once he turned around and headed for his room, which he wasn’t doing just yet.

would be enough for him to chew on for a while. I set it to send on a timer—scheduled for the exact moment I crossed the territory border. I removed the SIM chip, shredded it into dust with my sharp claws, and flushed it down the toilet. I pulled up the handle of my suitcase and took one last look at the den that was once called "home," now nothing but an empty shell. Goodbye, Ethan.

So, I took a nap at my desk, leaving the window open for the fresh air. It was peaceful, and I didn't need to worry about bugs for now. I let the cool breeze brush against my face as I closed my eyes, hoping to find a little comfort, even if just for a moment. The weight of loneliness presses on me, especially tonight. I remember them—the ones I lost when I was still so young. Dad. Mom. Grandma.