Still dark.
Still heavy.
Still stuck.
But her voice—
That’s still there.
Holding me in place.
Keeping me from slipping.
“You’re not done yet.”
Quiet now.
But steady.
Certain.
And for some reason—
I believe her.
Which is stupid.
Because I’ve been here before.
Right on the edge.
Right where it goes either way.
No guarantees.
No promises.
But—
Her hand tightens around mine.
Just enough.
And something in me—
Locks onto that.
Like it’s the only real thing left.
“Stay with me.”
Yeah.
Yeah, alright.
I can do that.
For a little longer.
