Page 44 of Trick of the Flesh

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You ever just lay here and think about how much of a disappointment you are?

Miguel

Go to sleep.

Caleb

Can’t. Brain won’t stop. It’s like every mistake I’ve ever made is replaying on a loop.

Miguel

Then I’ll make you a promise. Every time your brain feeds you a lie, I’ll replace it with the truth.

Caleb

That sounds exhausting.

Miguel

Good thing I don’t gettired of you.

Caleb

You’re too calm about this. About us.

Miguel

Because I know you. You’ll fight yourself until sunrise. So let me be the one who wins tonight. Put the phone down. Close your eyes. I’ll still be here when you wake up.

There’s your first truth.

Caleb

I just don’t get why you even want me. I’m a mess. I’m not… normal. I can’t shut my brain off long enough to even enjoy whatever this without overthinking every second.

Miguel

So what? You think I need perfect? You think I want quiet? Hi have you met me? I’m the least quiet person out there.

Caleb

…I think you’ll get tired of me.

Miguel

Never. You’re mine, and mine means I deal with every spiral, every sleepless night, every thought that eats you alive. You don’t scare me, Caleb. I know exactly what I signed up for when I kissed you.

Caleb

You say that now.

Miguel

I’ll say it tomorrow, and the day after, and every time your head won’t shut up. Now go the fuck to sleep, pretty boy. You have to kick some finals ass tomorrow.

The sun cutsacross the courtyard, sharp and golden, bouncing off the concrete and glass windows. I lean back on the bench, legs stretched out, laughing with some guys from class as we debrief after finals.

It feels almost… normal.

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