Loneliness welled up in Ethan, a sense of emptiness so complete that he felt hollowed out and used. For all he knew, he could be the only man alive—the world was bleak around him, the sky a faded and cried out color, the sun already beginning to burn. Hitching up his drawers, Ethan kicked at the scattered remains of the fire Jesse had lit earlier. Was it Friday yet? Would his lover wait that long to return?
“I need you now,” Ethan said aloud to no one in particular. The sound of his voice in so much silence spooked him and he wished he’d kept quiet. Wrapping his arms tight around his narrow chest, he shivered in his own embrace and prayed Jesse would come to him soon. Silently, he reminded his absent lover…You promised me, Jesse.
You gave me your word.
* * * *