After a while, we just lay back on the ground together, staring up at the pale blue sky.
I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady, slowing rhythm of his heartbeat. It was faint but still there...proof that he was alive, that for now, he was still here.
He coughed suddenly, and his whole body tensed beneath me.
“Alexander?” I sat up quickly, my heart leaping into my throat.
He winced, pressing a hand to his side. “Just… a bit of pain.”
I shook my head, tears brimming again. “Don’t,” I whispered. “Don’t try to act like this is nothing.”
Ignoring me, he tried to adjust himself, but I caught his shoulders and guided him down gently until his head rested on my lap. “You’re not moving another inch,” I said, forcing a small, shaky smile. “It’s my turn to watch over you no
