Chapter 124
He pulls me into a hug. I struggle, trying to get away.
"What's wrong?" He asks, looking down.
"Don't deserve it." I mutter, not looking at him. He puts a finger under my chin and pushes up gently, making me look at him. He looks back at me, clearly confused.
"What, a hug?" I nod. "Oh, Vince. You do deserve it. You deserve a hug more than most people." He pulls me back in. I try to get away again at first, but after a while, I give up.
It's sort of nice, sitting here with Howard, me leaning against him and him holding me, stroking my hair. It's comforting to listen to his heartbeat, steady and constant. His arms seem strong and gentle at the same time. It feels good to just relax and let my troubles slip away, to just enjoy being held. I feel something, but I don't know what it is. It's warm and comforting, even though I've never felt it before. I like it.
After a minutes, I realise what it must be. This must be what it's like to feel safe. It's new and it's strange, but I like it. It feels good.
I feel safe.