Darrell
The rain kept falling outside, steady and soothing, drumming against the windows like it was trying to drown out the silence inside. The living room was dim, only the soft blue flicker from the muted TV lighting our faces. Bella sat curled on her end of the couch, knees drawn up, hoodie sleeves tugged over her hands, staring at the screen without really seeing it. I sat on the other end, close enough to feel the warmth coming off her, but not close enough to crowd her.
We’d been like this for almost an hour. Not touching. Not talking. Just breathing in the same space.
I couldn’t stay quiet anymore.
“Bella.”
She turned her head slowly. Her eyes were red-rimmed, lashes still damp from earlier tears. She looked small under the blanket, fragile in a way that made my chest ache.
“
