Epilogue I
Joe
The gentle rap on the window has my heart flutter and my stomach drop. I know what that soft sound means.
I turn on the lamp and make my way to the door, sliding the deadbolt across, and twisting the door handle.
“Rough night?”
“Yeah.”
I nod, stepping out of the doorway, making room for Justice.
His eyes are red, hair mussed from sleep.
Or lack of. He gives me a tight smile and I let out a breath, taking his hand and leading him through the small cabin, to my room.
He stops just inside the doorway, kicking off his boots and toeing them neatly against the wall.
The room is silent as we move through our routine, the dance silent as I slide into my side, and pull back the covers on his.
Justice’s weight as he lies down has me tipping slightly before I fling the covers over him, making sure he’s tucked in tight.
Rolling, I turn off the lamp, the dark wrapping its arms around us.
“Want to talk about it?” I ask softly into the dark.
“No.”
Silence.
“Joe?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
My heart thuds inside my chest. “What for?”
“For being safe.”
The word settles between us, heavy, grounding. The blankets rustle softly, a gentle swish until my hand is gripped in a much larger, rougher hand.
“Justice?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re safe, too.”