My cheek was pressed against Reid’s chest. Hours after he returned home, and I wound up right back where I belonged—safe and secure in his arms, eyes closed, focusing on the rhythmic thumping of his heart.
Reid’s heartbeat was interesting. It slowed significantly when he was at rest, more than it would if he could sleep. When I first noticed it, months and months ago, I was alarmed, but he was completely unaware of it in the first place.
His heartbeat was erratic, with how quickly and drastically the pace could change, but for now, I counted the beats, like counting sheep.
Every beat brought me immense comfort. In that moment, he was still alive.
Mom had gone upstairs to mine and Reid’s bedroom about an hour earlier. I asked her if she would be alright, if she wanted me to lay with he
