““I could feel an old reaction from him—his emotions trying to curl around and sever the heavy, girded ties between us. Leaving first before someone could leave him. But he stepped physically closer again, as if he couldn't bear to do it. I took a step into him and grabbed his cheeks with both hands, forcing his head down. “I'm not going anywhere.” I gave him a shake, then let my fingers mirror the same motions that he had done to me days before, repeating the same sentiment back. “That's what you said to me. I'm not going anywhere either.””
