Page 209 of Sage Haven
Something cracked. The faintest shift in her walls. A single tear slid down her cheek.
And I caught it with my thumb. Soft. Reverent.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
It almost undid me.
I pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Let it linger. Let it mean something.
I reached for the soup. Settled in beside her and lifted the spoon to her lips.
She hesitated.
Her eyes were sharp, almost defiant.
She hated this.
Hated needing. Hated feeling weak.
But she took it.
And when she swallowed— I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear, “Good girl.”
Her breath caught.
And then—the ghost of a smile.
Small. Fragile. But there.
“How are you feeling today?” I asked quietly.
Her gaze dropped. Sadness pooling in the hollow of her expression, “I’m not sure how to survive today.”
The words gutted me.
I swallowed hard, “What do you mean?”
Her voice was raw.
“I’m still in that room, Reich. Even when I’m here. Even when you’re holding me. It doesn’t go away. I don’t know if it ever will.”
She paused before continuing, “I don’t know if enduring this is worth it.”
It hurt but I wouldn’t let her drown.
I tipped her chin up. Forced her to look at me. Made her see.
“It is worth it, Sage.” I took a breath. “Because tomorrow always comes. And tomorrow is always a new today. New chances. New choices.”
I ran my thumb along her cheek, “Sometimes, it even brings wildflowers.”
She stared at me.
Silent. Tear-filled. But something shifted.
“Let today be what it is,” I whispered. “Chaos and all. But remember that tomorrow is coming.”
