Page 27 of Net and Chill

10

CRAIG

The room is dark.

Bridget closed the curtains.

Put me in bed all nice and comfy with all the pillows, and then she left.

It’s quiet. But also loud? The air keeps blowing in from the vent like a motherfucking train.

Everything feels behind. Not keeping up.

My head hurts, but not like pain. Pressure. My brain is too big for my skull, I think? I don’t like having my eyes open, but I hate not seeing Bridget. My eyes need Bridget. My brain needs Bridget. Everything needs Bridget.

There’s a knock at the bedroom door, even though it’s open.

“Come.”

“I really think you should sleep. Penny said sleep will heal you more than anything.”

“Not more than anything. Sit… Please.”

I hear her exhale, and then I feel her sit at the edge of the bed. Too far away. “Okay. Sitting.”

“You’re here,” I say.

“Yes.”

“For me.”

“Yes.”

“Staying?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because.”

“Why, Stitch?”

“Because my dad would murder me if he found out I didn’t… And because Ohana meansfamily. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” She says that. Her voice is sad. I know that line.Lilo & Stitch.

“Not gonna cry,” I mumble.

“Me neither.”

I reach for her. I think I want to reach for her, and then I reach for her. Things aren’t happening fast enough in my head and my body.

She takes my hand and squeezes it.

“Thank you.” It comes out like slow motion. It’s not big enough, those words.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers. She’s touching my calluses. She knows them.

“No. I am.”I was going to let you in. I wasn’t supposed to let you get away. Even after what you said.It’s what I want to say, but it’s not coming out.