Page 160 of Dream On, Liar

She hesitated.

“Mint.”

I nodded.

“Good.”

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then her face crumpled as she pulled her hand back.

There was no sob, but her shoulders pulled in as a single tear slipped.

Just one tear.

Then another.

They slipped down her cheeks quietly, almost apologetically, as though even crying needed permission.

I didn’t think, just pulled her towards me.

She folded into my chest.

Her hands caught in my jumper.

The sound she made was small. Broken.

My arms tightened around her.

I felt every shudder move through her body.

And somehow, the pain of it travelled straight through me.

My own throat burned. I'd spent my entire life thinking strength meant being the person who stood upright when everyone else fell. But holding her like this, I understood that sometimes strength was simply staying.

Her feet remained planted where they were.

She didn’t move.

“Maeve.”

A hiccup caught in her throat.

“You’re safe.”

She didn't answer.

I lowered my voice, repeating my words. “You’re safe.”

I ran one hand slowly down her back.

Once, before repeating myself.

“You’re safe.”

Again.

“You’re safe.”