Things We Can't Say
212 Words
CHAPTER 18: Things We Can’t Say
Jay had always been a master of silence.
But Lena was starting to hear things in the spaces between his words—the way he gripped the steering wheel too tightly, how his eyes avoided hers when they passed by police checkpoints. Every habit of his whispered a past laced with danger.
They drove in near silence for miles, the city melting behind them as shadows deepened outside.
“You didn’t ask where we’re going,” he said finally.
“I figured you’d tell me when you’re ready.”
He glanced at her—just a flash of surprise crossing his face. It faded quickly, replaced by something softer. “That’s dangerous trust, Lena.”
“Maybe,” she whispered. “But I’m tired of being afraid.”
That silenced him again.
When they finally stopped, it was at an abandoned train station overrun by ivy and silence. Jay stepped out and circled to her side.
“I used to come here when I needed to disappear.”
“Disappear from what?”
“Everything.”
She looked up at him. “Do you still want to disappear?”
Jay stared at her—haunted, hungry, hesitant.
“No,” he said. “Not tonight.”
- Writer
