I watched her as she slept, her body was still, just barely moving in perfect rhythm with her breathing. Her desert hair was a beautiful mess thrown across the pillow. The thin blanket was tucked beneath her chin as if she were a child and the way her eyelids fluttered as her soul was finally at peace for the evening. It had been a while, I could tell. I’d been in this position once before, watching over someone. I don’t like the responsibility of taking care of others, that’s when accidents happen. I shook the memory from my brain, this time I’ll do it right, I promise. If I can’t protect her then I will die trying.
I laid back on the bed, cramming a cheap pillow under my head and counted the mystery stains that plagued the motel ceiling. Thirty five. There were thirty five different stains. I’d stayed in much nicer places than this, matter of fact I’ve also stayed in worse. Park benches, cars, ditches,...