Love is light scaring darkness away…
He traces her lines in slow motion. The pad of his index finger moves from her temple to her cheek to her jaw. She stirs slightly, her body shifting against his. He sucks in a breath.
"Mother."
She reacts to his voice on impact. Her eyes are the deepest shade of blue he's ever known. He feels like they could run away with his soul. Maybe they already have. It's hard to tell, really.
"Morning, honey." She lifts her head from the pillow and wipes at her wet cheek. A small puddle of drool has accumulated on the pillowcase.
Norman laughs. "Morning." She's still beautiful. Even more so because he's the only man who's allowed to see her this way.
She watches him wearily, scanning his bloodshot eyes and clenching fingers. "You haven't slept."
"No."
"Norman." Disappointment laced with concern: Her specialty.
"I'm okay."
She's saved him. Regardless, she prays to any deity that'll listen. Let him be. "Nightmares?" It's then she notices the beads of sweat that have gathered at his forehead. "Norman."
"I'm okay. I swear." His arms go around her waist. The mattress squeaks as he pulls her into him, chest to chest. His breath is warm in her ear. "You're here. I'm okay."
"What are the nightmares about?"
He swallows. "You."
"Me?"
"Yeah. You're bleeding to death and I can't move. I can't save you. I…" His face falls to her collarbone. She's alive. She's breathing, she's holding him, she's whispering his name.
"I'm right here. I'm right here. I'm with you. We're together. We're in love. Everything is fine." She kisses his temple gently. "I love you and I'm here. There's nothing to worry about. I promise."
He hasn't stopped fearing the day he'll snap again. When the voices and the blackouts will come back. The day he'll hurt her because she's the only one here. His body trembles. "I don't…I don't want to hurt you."
"You can't. You won't. Norman, please relax. Please. I'm fine and I'm right here." She pulls him into her until his head is tucked beneath her chin and her arms are tight around him. Her lips brush his temple. "Shhh. Go to sleep. Please, Norman."
He sighs heavily and nuzzles against her. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Norman. I always will."
Feels like fire I'm so in love with you…