Names in the Dark
236 Words
CHAPTER 25: Names in the Dark
Jay never slept deeply.
That night, even with Lena beside him, he stirred at every creak, every shift of wind. But when he opened his eyes and found her hand still resting over his heart, something inside him softened.
She was still there.
And for once, so was he.
In the early morning, Lena stirred, blinking at the dim grey light pouring through the curtains.
“You didn’t sleep,” she murmured.
“I watched you instead.”
“Why?”
Jay hesitated. Then, softly, “Because it’s the only time I feel peace.”
She propped herself up on one elbow. “Jay... what are we?”
He looked at her. “Something that shouldn't make sense. But it does.”
She searched his eyes for lies but found none. No promises, either—but something rawer than that. Something true.
“I don’t care about your past,” she said.
“You should,” he warned.
“But I won’t.”
Jay reached for her then, his hand brushing her cheek, thumb tracing her jaw.
“I used to think people like me didn’t deserve softness,” he whispered.
“Then I’ll keep giving it to you until you believe you do.”
He closed his eyes, forehead resting against hers.
“Lena.”
It was the first time he said her name like it meant something sacred.
- Writer
