Page 216 of Creep

There was still some snow lingering on the ground, but it seemed Mael had prepared for this—or perhaps Theo did, considering Mael wasn’t as mobile—because this little spot where we were sitting was snowless and dry.

He grabbed the blanket and pulled it around us. I was wearing one of Mael’s hoodies while he had on a thermal shirt, and I had on an extra layer of pants, so I was warming up pretty quickly with him close by, sharing his heat with me, and the blanket around us.

I leaned back against his chest and took in the night sky. With the winter approaching, the sun was setting earlier and earlier each day. It wasn’t that late, but the moon and stars were out already.

We were having dinner out here, trying to get back to some normalcy after all that we went through.

Close to a month had passed now, and I could still see some of the scenes happening in my head every time I closed my eyes. The nightmares had started, and I figured it was going to be a while before I could fully get over it… or not at all, but perhaps time would lessen its impact on me.

But now…

I was glad I had Mael by my side.

My father was still being held in prison. There was no bail set because he was considered a flight risk. The trial was set to take place several months from now. I was debating whether or not I should go. My father’s lawyer really had their work cut out for them, considering I had given the book to the FBI.

I thought that was what Caden would have wanted me to do with it.

Maybe that was what he had intended to do, only he never got the chance because our father killed him.

I closed my eyes and leaned in closer to Mael, seeking comfort from him. He tightened his arms around me without me asking. He seemed to always know just what I needed, even without me saying anything.

“Okay?”

I shrugged. “I was just thinking about Caden.”

I felt him nodding against me as if he understood.

“You would have liked him,” I said, feeling my lips trembling a little. “And he would have liked you.”

“You think so?”

Tears blurred my vision. “I know so. My little brother only ever wanted me to be happy. And you make me happy. He would have loved you.”

“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could have done. I wish we had met sooner, and I could have protected him for you.”

I didn't say anything about that. A huge part of me wished for it, too, but wishing for it didn’t make it a reality.

“It’s okay.”

Sometimes, I wish I believed in the afterlife. Then I could convince myself that Mom and Caden were finally at peace.

“What can I do?” Mael asked.

“Just hold on to me and promise to never let me go.”

“I will never let you go,” Mael said fiercely.

He grabbed my left hand and held it between his hands, comforting me. I smiled and let out a contented sigh.

I wasn’t hungry yet.

I just wanted to enjoy this time with him.

It didn’t seem Mael was hungry either, as he made no move to grab the food. He played with my fingers, making my skin get goosebumps all over.

He lingered on my ring finger.

I tensed when I felt him slip something around it.

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