Ethan
I close my eyes for a second.
"And I understood how much it affected you."
My voice lowers even more.
"I don't want that to happen again… not with her… not with him."
I feel movement; Clara slowly turns toward me. And when I'm face to face with her… something in my chest loosens.
Her eyes are open, awake. Shining in the dim light. I bring my hand to her cheek… I caress it gently, I lean in and kiss her. A slow, sincere, unhurried kiss.
When I pull away, I barely rest my forehead against hers.
"You know I love you…" I whisper. "With all my heart."
My voice is honest, raw.
"And I can't imagine a life without you."
I feel her breathing, and then…
"I understand how you feel," she says.
Her voice is soft, and that… calms me.
“I know…” she adds. “Because I felt
