Coiled
And she reached out a trembling hand and placed it on Dean's head.
His hair felt a little spiky but soft, and she allowed the palm of her hand
to rest against the back of his scalp. His skin felt warm.
She could feel the tension in his neck. she moved her hand slowly away
and rested it loosely on her lap. She stared directly ahead, watching the
flickering TV screen. It was Sammy's favourite show, she vaguely recognised.
Then she felt a brush against her arm. So light. Then a small, warm pressure on her side.
She didn't breathe. She couldn't breathe. It wasn't a hug or even a cuddle but it was touch.
And oh how she longed for that. Her body ached for it. But then her soul ached when she
thought of him. Of the fear that must coarse through him. Of the hurt that meant he
couldn't accept this. Touch. But then there was this small body pressed against her.
And she thought. One day I'll hear him laugh. And he'll have a good laugh.