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“I know.”
That makes him laugh.
There he is.
The man beneath all the ugly choices.
The one I missed even while I was furious with him.
I take a small step closer.
Not enough to touch.
Enough that he notices.
“I’m staying because I found something here that feels like mine.”
“Good.”
His answer is immediate.
No because of me?
No does this mean us?
Just good.
I take another breath.
“And I still haven't decided what you get.”
Pain flickers across his face.
He does not hide it.
He also does not hand it to me like a bill.
“I know.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.”
“You can't behave for a few days and decide you're finished.”
“I know.”
“Stop saying you know.”
His mouth almost curves.
“I am familiar with that request.”
I fight a smile.
“Bitter.”
He sobers.
