Julian

I woke up at six AM with Lena asleep against my chest, her breathing soft and even, her hand curled loosely in my t-shirt.

For a moment, I just lay there.

Watching her sleep.

Feeling the weight of her trust.

Remembering everything we'd said to each other in the library at midnight. About mothers who left and fathers who blamed. About surviving people who should have protected us. About being brave enough to try anyway.

She'd let me into her room. Into her space. Into her bed.

Not for sex.

Just for comfort.

Just to not be alone.

I'd held her while she fell asleep and then I'd lain...