03-15-2025, 10:04 PM
The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin like a ghost searching for rest, quiet and persistent. It wasn’t much—just the press of her fingers against his, but it was enough to tether him, to remind him he was still here. Still breathing.
Jay was aware of everything. The empty hush of the parking lot, the weight of the cold pressing in, the way Natalie’s gown did nothing to shield her from it. He let out a slow breath, then shrugged off his jacket, the motion almost instinctive. The fabric whispered as it slid from his shoulders, chain and medal clinking softly in the still night before he draped it over hers.
The cold bit into his neck, sharp and bracing, but he welcomed it. It was real. Something solid to feel. He said nothing, just kept his fingers wrapped around hers, holding on as the oversized sleeve swallowed her wrist.
And then, together, they walked into the quiet.
Jay was aware of everything. The empty hush of the parking lot, the weight of the cold pressing in, the way Natalie’s gown did nothing to shield her from it. He let out a slow breath, then shrugged off his jacket, the motion almost instinctive. The fabric whispered as it slid from his shoulders, chain and medal clinking softly in the still night before he draped it over hers.
The cold bit into his neck, sharp and bracing, but he welcomed it. It was real. Something solid to feel. He said nothing, just kept his fingers wrapped around hers, holding on as the oversized sleeve swallowed her wrist.
And then, together, they walked into the quiet.
Only darkness shows you the light.