THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER

Giovanni gasped awake, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to catch his breath. The remnants of his nightmare clung to him like a dark cloud, suffocating him in fear. In his greys played a fiery orange colour which reflected the fire he was surrounded by in his childhood bedroom. In a panic, he looked around the silent forest, his eyes scanning for any sign of danger.

And then he saw him—Luciano, hovering over him with a look of concern etched on his handsome face. "It's okay," he reassured him, his voice soothing and gentle. "It's okay. It was just a dream."

As he blinked up at him, he could feel the effects of the dream which left him feeling shaky and disoriented. He let out a sigh of relief, thankful for his presence in that moment of vulnerability.

Once the faint remnants of the nightmare faded away, he realised how small the space between Luciano and him was. His cheeks blushed red, a natural reaction to his overwhelming presence.

"Uhm..."