Lucas

“ Do you love me Lucas? ”

“ Yes! Yes I do ”

“ Not enough to recognise me? ”

“ No, I will always recognise you ”

She smiled. A sad smile.

“ You don't ”

“ Rosie.. ”

“ You don't.. You love her not me.. ”

“ Rosie.. I love you.. I love you! ”

I opened my eyes. My body jerks awake, a trembling breath escaping my lips. I sat up in bed, my body covered in sweat and my heart pounding in my chest. As I came to my senses, I realizes it was just a nightmare - a cruel reminder of the past. In the dream, I had been transported back to my childhood, and the image of her, who had died all those years ago, was as vivid and real as if it had been yesterday. I could still see her face, hear her voice, feel the touch of her skin on mine.

I turn to look at Pearl, she is sleeping soundly beside me. The sight of her calmed me a bit. I reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, my touch feather-light so as not to wake her.

I carefully untangled myself from the blanket a