Page 90 of Torin

My ribs hurt. My shoulder hurts. There’s a bite in my thigh that’ll probably have me limping tomorrow.

I’d do it all again. Every fucking bit of it.

My bear calms inside me.

I start to turn away.

“Torin?”

I stop. Her voice is barely louder than a whisper.

I clear my throat. “Yeah.”

“You’re back.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m glad.”

I smile.

“I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“No.” A sleepy laugh comes through the door. “I’ve been awake for ages.”

I close my eyes. She was waiting for me.

“You should’ve gone to sleep.”

“I tried. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“...Okay.”

She doesn’t believe me.

“Goodnight, Torin.”

“Night, Hannah.”

I wait until I hear the mattress shift, then make myself walk the last few steps to my room.

Lying down is harder than expected, but eventually I find a position that doesn’t make my ribs complain too much.

There were moments tonight when I wasn’t sure I’d make it back. But every time, I thought about Hannah. About getting home to her.

And now I’m here. She was waiting for me. I close my eyes, smiling. She’s right down the hall.

That’s all I need.

17

Hannah

Iwake slowly, warm beneath the duvet, and for a few seconds I’m content to lie there.

Then Torin drifts into my thoughts. He came home last night. He’s safe.