Page 6 of Sweet Nightmare

Maybe I should lie.

Maybe I should run.

But I can’t.

Her eyes hold me in place because there’s something inside them I’ve almost forgotten exists.

Warmth.

Not the kind of warmth that burns or hurts.

The kind of warmth that simply... exists.

The kind I’ve spent years without.

And... I want it.

I open my mouth to give her what she wants but my name gets caught in my throat.

Say something, idiot.

Anything.

But all I can hear is the sound of my own heart beating.

When I say nothing, the little girl lets out the tiniest sigh and without saying another word, she lifts her gloved hands. In one is a pair of black running shoes. In the other, a heavy winter coat that looks far too expensive to be offered to a complete stranger.

The thing swallows her tiny arms.

I’m guessing it all belongs to the brother.

My eyes bounce from the clothes and then to her. Nobody gives things away for free. At least not where I come from. Kindness always comes with a price, a bruise or a scar.

I remain silent, waiting for the catch but it never comes.

The girl just stands there patiently. As if helping me is the most ordinary thing in the world.

That thought makes my throat tighten.

So with trembling hands, I reach for the coat.

“T-thank you,” I whisper without looking at her.

The words feel embarrassingly small.

Because I’m not thanking her for the coat.

Or the shoes.

I’m thanking her for looking at me like I’m worth saving.

She doesn’t say anything.

She doesn’t even smile.

She doesn’t wait for gratitude either.

She simply nods and turns away from me.