Little Corner

There was a new sense of peace in this particular morning. Eric really couldn't put his finger on it but he couldn't deny it was there. Back in the depths of his heart there was a strange fear - as if there were places he would not allow his thoughts to travel. But at the same time, the peace overcame any of that. Perhaps for the first time, he truly was seeing Stacy as a friend. Not just someone at the ranch. Not just a watchman. Not just somebody they hired. But someone he was slowly gaining more and more respect for, and someone who, whether she knew it or not, was gaining his trust.

Eric's eyes remain on the horizon as the sky slowly, slowly begins to change colors. "There ain't nothing to thank me for," he responds softly. He swallows hard, feeling a sudden surge of emotions for reasons he didn't know. Maybe it was because all at once he realized that in this single moment... he wasn't hiding alone in the shadows.

Turning slightly, he sees a woman who had just woken up - her hair a bit askew... her eyes somewhat sleepy but bright and attentive... a face that could use a good splash of water to wake up. But with the rising sun, a warm, pink glow caresses that face, bringing to it a shine that upturns Eric's mouth into a little smile. He wasn't sure, but he couldn't remember seeing Stacy like this before. Something was different. This wasn't a fellow worker, a policeman or even a mother. This was a woman. And she was beautiful.

"Welcome to a little corner of my world." He speaks quietly as if afraid the dawn would cease if he spoke too loudly. "I don't... share this with many people," he admits. "Or... anyone." Come to think of it... there had never even been a moment like this with Dana - a moment of pure peace. "So maybe I'm the one that should thank you."


Re: Text Message
To: Dan
From Unknown 555-3498

Nobody trusts me. I dont fit.
No matter what, i screw up.

Dylan

Unwanted tears roll down Dylan's cheeks as he buries his face against the bed mattress. A quiet sob is choked out. His text was words he truly felt. But all he wanted was reassurance. All he wanted was help. All he wanted was someone to keep telling him not to end it - to keep going - that he was loved. And he didn't know how to ask.