#o??

when she said she would be on her way  ,  it wasn’t her own uncomfortable avoidance at the root of it.  it was supposed to be a kindness  ,  knowledge that sometimes it was the more merciful thing to feign oblivion if someone didn’t want their suffering to be seen.   he catches her by surprise  ;  it’s never been easy for her to ask for anything  ,  she can’t imagine it would be for anyone else either.  too much risk of rejection  ,  laughter  ,  pressing on spots that are already sore.  she won’t  ,  though  ,  she wouldn’t.  seat taken beside him once more  ,  only a second of hesitation before her hand rests over his.     ❛   i’ll stay as long as you want.   ❜