Samantha
For several long seconds after Bjorn stopped speaking, Samantha could do nothing except stare at him.
The apartment seemed impossibly quiet. Somewhere in the kitchen, the refrigerator hummed softly. The television continued flickering in the background, casting pale blue shadows across the walls, but she barely noticed either one. Her entire world had narrowed to the man sitting across from her and the words he had just spoken.
I want you to stay.
The confession echoed through her mind long after the sound of his voice faded.
It didn't make sense. Not because she thought he was lying. Because she couldn't understand why.
For years every relationship in her life had been built on conditions. Love came with expectations. Kindness came with obligations. Affection came with invi
