Lost in the dark

The new connection

The next day, I woke before the sun, my heart pounding with excitement. My hands itched to hold the phone again, to send a message, to plan my first steps with it.

By the time the school bell rang, I could barely contain myself. I stuffed my bag onto my shoulder and ran. I ran as hard, as fast as my thin legs could carry me, my shoes slapping the dusty road beneath me. My heart raced like it might burst from my chest. Every step was fuelled by joy, by the thought of him, by the thrill of seeing him again.

When I reached Daniel’s house, I didn’t stop. I pounded on the door with my fists, knocking like someone being chased by a dog. My breath came in short, sharp bursts, my chest heaving, my tears threatening to spill over.

The door swung open, and there he was.

For a moment, I saw the surprise in his eyes. Then relief. He pulled me close immediately, hugging me like I was fragile glass he could break if he let go. He carried me into the room with gentle strength, and I clung to him, trying to keep myself from shaking too violently.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” he asked, concern threading through his voice.

I could barely contain myself. Excitement burst from me before I could think. “I now have a phone!” I shouted, my voice trembling. “We can talk for hours! We can talk for hours every day! It should make my visits a little less frequent, but it will keep expanding the bond between us! We can stay connected!”

His eyes widened a little, and then a slow smile spread across his face. He hugged me tightly, as if the joy I carried into the room was his to hold too.

“We are going to get married when you grow up,” he said softly, almost like a promise.

I felt my chest tighten. Happiness, relief, and something deeper all swirled together inside me. My heart felt full, like it might burst again.

I whispered, almost against my will, “I’m yours.”

And in that moment, tears spilled freely down my cheeks. I hugged him tighter, letting the sobs come, letting the joy, fear, and longing all pour out at once.

I couldn’t hold it back. Not anymore.

He was my anchor. My safe place. My shipwreck and my salvation all at once.

And for the first time in my life, it felt like I had won something worth holding onto.