Page 42 of Death

I lift my hand and pat the area over my heart. “I can feel it. Every day, she burrows in deeper.”

Still looking worried, he murmurs, “Just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

The corner of my mouth lifts, and climbing to my feet, I say, “I’m going to head to bed. Have a good night, my friend.”

“You too.”

Knowing Pedro will turn off the lights, I walk toward the staircase and head up. My eyes touch on the trunk, and I almostpass it when I come to a sudden stop, and my head snaps to the side. There’s a sliver of cream fabric peeking out at the corner.

A frown forms on my forehead because the trunk is empty.

Did Astrid put something in it?

Taking hold of the lid, I lift it, and my heart squeezes painfully in my chest when I see Ciara curled up in a tiny ball.

I open the lid all the way before crouching down and whispering, “Why are you in the trunk,mi pequeño sol?”

She doesn’t answer me, but instead tightens her arms around her shins.

At the hospital, she spent a lot of time under the bed, but here she chooses the trunk.

I tilt my head, realizing it must make her feel safe.

“Get out so we can move the trunk to your bedroom.”

She hesitates but slowly pulls herself out, her face filled with caution as she watches me.

I grasp the handle on the side. “Grab the other side, Ciara.”

When she does as she’s told, we carry the trunk to her bedroom and set it down at the foot of her bed.

“Don’t get in yet,” I say before leaving the room to fetch a soft blanket from the linen closet.

Returning, I open the trunk and place the blanket at the bottom, then I gesture for Ciara to get in.

Her body’s wound tight as she climbs back inside. I move to her bed and pull the sheet off. Unfortunately, there isn’t space for a warm, thick blanket, but at least it’s not too cold tonight.

I fold the sheet until it’s the perfect size to fit over Ciara. I tuck the sides in around her before crouching next to the trunk.

“Leave the lid open. Okay?” She just stares at me, and it has me explaining, “I don’t want you to suffocate.”

I’m not going to shut an eye tonight.

Straightening up, I let out a sigh. Thinking for a moment, I walk to the bathroom and grab two towels. I head back to thetrunk, and folding them, I drape them over the sides. When I lower the lid, it doesn’t shut all the way, leaving a half-inch gap open for fresh air to get in.

Much better.

Rubbing my palm over the wood, I say, “Sleep tight,mi pequeño sol.”

When I walk out of her bedroom, I only make it a few steps down the hallway before my feet refuse to move any further.

Fuck.

Just tonight.

Turning around, I head back, and after switching off the light, I grab a pillow and move it to the foot of the bed before lying down with my head right by the trunk. I rest my hand over my heart and slowly twirl the engagement ring around my finger as I stare up at the ceiling fan.

I hear Ciara shift in the trunk, and I worry she’s going to be fucking sore tomorrow from sleeping in that tight space.

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