#Chapter 172: Good Time Friends

Matt

I opened my eyes, squinting against the light spilling in around the thin curtains. Celeste was asleep next to me, her head resting on my mostly numb arm. I held her close to my chest with the other. I closed my eyes, hoping I could slip back into sleep, but it was no use.

She shifted in her sleep, pressing back against me. I tucked my face into the back of her neck and breathed in her scent. It was soft, like sunshine and grass, and I let it wash over me. It still felt like a dream, having her here. I half expected to wake up and discover none of it was real. That she was still in that place, and I couldn’t help her.

Every time I thought about it, my chest tightened. No matter what she said to reassure me, I knew I’d failed her. I’d never forgive myself for that.

She sighed in her sleep and rolled slightly away. I slid my arm out from under her head, careful not to make any sudden movements. She settled into the pillow without waking, and I got out of bed, trying not to jostle h