Page 202 of Before Dawn

“My hair’s a mess, I’m in a worn-out sweatsuit because I’m cold, and my eyes are puffy.”

“You just called yourself beautiful in three different ways.”

She kissed me again, and we settled into a comfortable silence as we ate. Eventually, Aurora and her parents joined, and the conversation stayed light—full of laughter and casual chatter. I overheard a funny story from her dad about how, when Abigail was five, she’d tried to convince him she was a culinary genius, only to burn the toast.

As dinner came to an end, I started clearing the table, but Alicia stopped me.

“It’s fine, Mikkel, I can handle it.”

I shook my head. “It’s the least I can do.”

Alicia turned to Abigail, offering her a warm smile. “You’re in good hands, baby.”

Abigail smiled back, her eyes soft with reassurance. “I know I am.”

Warning

The following chapter contains heavy mentions of mental health/physical health issues. Please refer to the content warning list to be reminded of any potential triggers. Your well-being is important to me, so please take care of yourself while reading.

Chapter Forty-five

Mikkel

“Love is a friendship set to music.”

~ Joseph Campbell

Iwoke up with a jolt, the warmth beside me gone. My arm instinctively reached out, but I grabbed nothing but the cold sheets. I frowned, pushing myself up.Where is she?

I blinked, my vision hazy.My glasses.Fumbling on the nightstand, I knocked over my phone before finally finding them and slipping them on.

“Abigail?” I called out, my voice sounding harsher than I intended.

Nothing.

A sudden quietness filled the air, eerie and unnerving. Then, faintly, I heard water running.The shower.

My heart rate picked up, and I threw the covers off, nearly tripping over my feet as I rushed toward the bathroom. The moment I steppedin, the mist hit me; warm and suffocating. Through the steam, I saw her, sitting on the floor of the shower with her knees drawn up to her chest, head down, and water pouring over her as if it was trying to wash everything away.

My heart lurched.

“Amor?158”

She didn’t move, didn’t even flinch and I felt a sinking pit in my stomach as I stepped closer. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

She slowly lifted her head, the curls sticking to her face. Her eyes were red and filled with something I couldn’t read.

Without hesitation, I opened the glass door, stepped into the shower fully clothed, and let the water soak through me. She blinked in surprise, her brows furrowing as if confused by my presence.

“W-what are you doing?”

I knelt down beside her. “Sitting with you.”

For a moment, she just stared at me, like she wanted to argue but couldn’t. Then something in her broke. She leaned in, burying her face in my chest, and sobbed—deep, gut-wrenching cries that shook her entire body.

I held her close, whispering soothing words that may not have even made sense. Each sob hit like a punch to my chest, and I wished I could carry the weight for her.

“I’ve got you, baby,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m right here with you.”

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