Page 115 of Let Me In

I just stand there.

Watching him turn down the toothpaste cap.

Set everything in place.

Like I belong.

Like I’m staying.

He straightens and looks at me.

Sees the way I’m holding myself still. Quiet. Like I don’t know what to do with the kindness.

His voice drops lower.

“Want me to stay while you brush?”

I nod again.

He leans back against the counter.

Arms crossed.

Watching me with that steady gaze.

Not judging.

Just being here.

And I pick up the brush.

Press the paste onto it with hands that barely shake.

And start to believe—

This is real.

The water still clings to my face.

My toothbrush is back in the ceramic cup. My hands are clean. The mirror fogged just slightly from the warmth of the room.

And when I turn around—

He’s still there.

Leaning against the counter.

Arms loose at his sides.

Not rushing.

Not demanding.

Just waiting.

And something in me gives out.

Not from weakness.

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