It was nearly six in the morning when Erix turned the lamp off by the bed, letting the natural light from daybreak slip between the curtains. He was about to go back to this bed when I caught his hand. He seemed surprised by my gesture. 

"Can you stay by my side until I fall asleep, Please?" I asked him. "Maybe you can keep the dream away." 

I needed him, but I didn't like how weak I sounded when I asked him to stay. I hated to appear weak. I hated to rely on anyone. I was independent. That's how I have always been. It was what separated me from...