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Touches her thumb when she’s anxious.

Holds her breath before entering a room full of people.

Hates thunderstorms.

Loves the sound of the kettle.

Because it reminded me of my sisters.

Smiles at dogs before people.

Walks faster when she’s embarrassed.

Doesn’t realise she’s beautiful.

She says she’s fine when she isn’t.

Doesn’t ask for things she needs.

My breath caught.

Heart hammered.

I stared at the last line…

Doesn’t know she’s a somebody.

My eyes blurred.

I read the last line again. Then looked away, staring at the darkness.

He…

He thinks I’m a somebody.

Me.

Nyssa.

I pressed my hand to the thunder in my chest as headlights cut across the driveway outside.

He’s here.

Alaric’s here.

Shit.

I yanked my leg from the edge of his desk and spun around. Grabbed the notebook and froze.

I didn’t even look at the window anymore. Didn’t count the seconds before the car drove past and stopped. I just picked up the pen. Pulled the notebook close and started writing.

Things Alaric doesn’t know.

His smile changes the whole room.

He pretends not to care when he absolutely does.

He smells like rain and coffee.