Stay

Reaching out, Ethan’s fingers gently grasp Alex’s slender shoulders. “Hey…” his voice is soft, softer than he had made it in a long time. “It’s okay. I’ll stay.”

Alex closes the distance, pressing in tight, but this time into a hug.

She holds tight, tighter than Ethan thought her thin arms possible. All he can do is hug her back. He thinks it’s enough. It is enough.

After a moment, Alex lets out a sniffle. “I lied.”

“About?” Ethan can hazard a guess.

“You don’t stink.”