Before You Let Go
“Lyra.”
I climbed onto the edge of the couch carefully, leaving space between us. Caelan sighed like I was difficult, then tugged me closer until my shoulder rested against his chest.
His heartbeat was steady under my ear.
Alive.
Real.
Here.
“I’m fine,” he repeated, softer this time.
I closed my eyes.
“You keep saying that.”
“You keep not believing me.”
“Because you keep lying.”
His hand paused at my back.
Then, quietly, he said, “Not right now.”