River’s thumb traced my wrist, grounding me in the one reality that still felt safe. He stayed beside me even if I didn’t answer immediately, ensuring that he wouldn't leave, and that he would protect me until the end. “Alright…” I answered as I nodded, though the fog in my mind still rattled. “Thank you, River.” Those words were more sincere than I had expected. I’m really glad that River was on my side now, especially now that I’m feeling this way. And somewhere deep down, I knew the struggle was only the beginning. I know that there will be more challenges that will be thrown against us. After all, a relationship that started with a mistake doesn’t seem to have a good ending. Wait… A relationship? Am I in a relationship with River now? Having those questions in my mind, I sudden

