I awoke, startled and shaken from a bad dream.

As if she could sense my disturbance, Catra asked what was wrong. She was still half asleep, her eyes barely open.

I had met Catra in Kindergarten, where we became fast friends. She always seemed to understand and go along with my stupidity while simultaneously reminding me of the consequences. She kept me in line without making me feel worthless, unlike what my parents had done for many years. We live together now. Rent was cheaper if we only paid for one bedroom, and I didn't mind the extra body heat. Every night, we cuddled asleep together. Platonically, of course.

"It was just a nightmare," I always confided in Catra for everything, but I didn't tell her what the nightmare was about.

"Well, I'm here if you need me." She prepared to fall asleep again and turned to the other side of the bed.

In the dream, I was lonely. I was older, perhaps middle-aged, and Catra never responded to my texts or calls. I didn't want that to happen to us, but I always feared that she would eventually move out and leave me behind.

I paused for a moment, asking myself if I was really going through with this. "Wait."

She turned back towards me. "Hmm?"
I moved in closer, hugging her tight. "I love you." I kissed her lightly, but she quickly pulled away. I could see that her cheeks were flushed.

I was quick to apologize. "I'm sorry. Did I make that too awkward?"

She pulled my face closer to hers. "Not at all." She kissed me lightly at first, and then passionately. We embraced each other like never before.

Catra stopped to ask a question. "If you like me that much that you decided to wake me up just to kiss me, why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"Well, you know me better than I know myself. I was kind of waiting for you to notice my feelings and make a move."

For a few moments, we sat there in awkward silence.

"I'm sorry," I continued, "I didn't want to risk our friendship. If you think this will ruin it, then we don't have to continue."

She kissed me lightly on the cheek.

"I wouldn't change this for the world."