9
One last night passes. For weeks he has lain by me. Chaste as a breath across my cheek as I wait for dreams to overtake me once again.
He holds me too tightly now.
Weaker and weaker, we are becoming too frail to hide from one another.
"Please tell me now."
"Yadonushi," he mumbles, trying to sleep like a normal person, but failing.
"Why Jing kisses Nene."
He stiffens. I wince.
"Only once," he tries to defend himself.
I look away, no storm outside to distract me, to muddle me.
"Papa is so far away. I need someone close."
"...I-"
