Page 305 of Eternal
She almost lookedsad.
“They’re bright tonight,” I said, brushing through her hair with careful fingers.
She didn’t turn around. “They are... Brighter than ever.”
“What are you thinking about?”
She exhaled softly. “I wonder if I’m allowed to want more.”
I didn’t say anything. Just rested my hand on the back of her neck, thumb tracing the edge of her spine. She leaned into the touch, like it cost her something to do it.
“You think they’re watching?” she asked. “The stars?”
“I think they are,” I said quietly. “Kind of possessive when it comes to you, partner and I don’t like the way they watch you right now.”
That got a faint smile. A real one. She turned her head just enough for me to see it, the ghost of it curving her lips.
“Then don’t let them watch,” she whispered. “Take me to bed.”
I set the brush aside. Wrapped my arms around her from behind and took her to bed.
Her skin was cold against mine. But it felt perfect.
Like she was something precious. Like she always had been.
86
AZRA
“Exit Music” by Radiohead
Past
“Happy Valentine’s Day.”
That’s all I heard, all day long.
Valentine’s Day. The girls were all pretty, in pink or red.
They were smiling, hugging their friends or boyfriends.
It wasn’t just Valentine’s Day, it was also my little brother’s birthday today.
I wish I could visit and see what his grave looks like.
But instead, I’m here for Valentine’s Day.
With happy and beautiful people around.
I wish I was like that.
I felt ugly.
My hair was dry and crunchy, frizzed out and breaking from the wrong shampoo.
My curls needed care. But nobody cared.
When I was little, she used to twist them up with oil and call me beautiful. That stopped when she started drinking in the mornings. After that, it was just knots.
