I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was answering his question or just trying to reassure myself. I wasn’t okay. I didn’t know what I was. My body felt like it was no longer mine. And yet, despite everything, I couldn’t deny the relief that had come with the release.
The way the unbearable tension had finally broken, leaving me in this strange limbo of exhaustion and calm.
Dominico’s fingers brushed the hair away from my face, and I flinched slightly at the touch, more out of surprise than fear. His touch was surprisingly tender, careful, as if he was afraid of breaking me.
“You don’t have to stay like this,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “If you want space, I can—”
“No,” I whispered back, surprising myself with how quickly I responded. “I… I just need a minute.”
