Chapter 19: Keep It Simple, Stupid

I remembered slapping Justin with every bit of fury I felt. I then remembered blackness taking over me, feeling the exhaustion numb me into nothing.

I woke up with a start, suddenly, with a jerk, almost as if I knew I wasn’t at home, safely tucked away. I looked around the room with pastel-shaded walls and a warm bed, wondering where I was, only to be distracted by someone clearing their throat.

I knew it was him before I looked at him. His smell was everywhere, and I’d recognize it anywhere. Right here, right next to me, was Justin, sitting on a comfortable-looking chair next to the bed, a book in hand. He wore comfortable slacks and a shirt, his hair ruffled, his eyes tired, his face without an expression. My body sang at the sight of him. No matter what, he always looked sublime.