My only question is: what could go wrong? And the answer is: nothing. No more overthinking. No more creating fake scenarios in my head. This is real.

“No,” I say.

He sighs, dropping his head to my shoulder. When he glances back, he sees me smiling, and his brow furrows.

“Was that funny to you?” He sounds so serious that my mind screams danger and wipes the smile off my face.

“No,” I respond. He raises an eyebrow. “Definitely not.” I shake my head, trying to be clear.

A smirk slowly reaches his lips and I smack his arm, laughing along with him.

“It wasn’t funny,” he says, grabbing me and kissing my forehead. “I was ready for you to run back to your room.”

I relax under his embrace and mumble, “Not anymore.”

His kiss was destined for my tired soul to melt into. He gently took it when it was stuck in darkness, gave it time and caressed it until it started to show signs of light.

For the first time in my life, a hug doesn’t make me feel like whirling on my legs and dashing away. And as much as I’d like to stay like this forever, I have to pack. I decided to leave before my parents get the chance to throw me out, plus, I already know what terms we settled on.

And I need to eat a meal in honor of my last day in Grandma’s house. I untangle myself from his embrace, explaining what I need to do, and make my way to the kitchen where he follows me.

I grab a loaf of bread and tear off the ends, one for me and one for him. If he doesn’t want it, then that just means more for me. I scoop the crumbs out, then put a spoon of sugar in each.

If he thinks this is weird, he doesn’t show it. He just takes a seat and watches me. I pour in a bit of water, just enough to soften it, and give one to him. He eyes me suspiciously but takes it.

As soon as I take a bite, my eyes fill with tears. It reminds me so much of Grandma.

He tastes it and his eyes widen. “Mmm,” he mumbles through the crumbs.

“I know,” I say and take a seat next to him.

“This is oddly good,” he admits, taking another bite.

“Haven’t eaten one of these since I was a kid.”

Elias grabs my chair and pulls me closer, like the centimeters between us were too much. He puts a hand on my leg while we eat in silence.

I look at my watch and realize it’s already eight in the morning. I know he and Olivia came at about seven last night. As I look around, I realize the place is gleaming. Swallowing the last bite, I gesture at the surroundings.

“Thank you.”