Mia Sheridan

Because doing it made me feel like you were coming back, like you’d be home soon.

love was all about learning to speak a person’s language.

You brought the silence,

The most beautiful sound I’d ever heard,

Because it was where you were.

And now you’ve taken it away.

Only you, only ever you.

Why did you say no? Tell me.

He didn't say anything for a few beats and then, Because I don't want to be with anyone except you. I didn't want her, I only want you. I only want you, Bree.

What are you doing here? I asked.

You don't like thunderstorms, he answered.

I tilted my head, confused. You walked a mile in the rain because I don't like thunderstorms?

He hesitated for a second, looking away, frowning slightly. Then he looked back at me and said simply, yes. He paused, his expression pained. I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, but I just thought if I sat on your porch, you wouldn't be scared. You wouldn't be alone.

Oh God.

I couldn't help it, my face crumpled and I started to cry.

What are you doing here? I asked.

You don't like thunderstorms, he answered.

I tilted my head, confused. You walked a mile in the rain because I don't like thunderstorms?

He hesitated for a second, looking away, frowning slightly. Then he looked back at me and said simply, yes. He paused, his expression pained. I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, but I just thought if I sat on your porch, you wouldn't be scared. You wouldn't be alone.

Oh God.

I couldn't help it, my face crumpled and I started to cry.

I nodded at him, acknowledging his unspoken question, and he took me in his arms and pressed me to him.

I was oblivious to the thunder and rain coming down noisily all around us–for those few minutes, it was only me and him, and nothing else.

He was still my best friend, my sweet, silent boy, and I had missed him so desperately that I ached.