10

Temperatures drop. My reading, his writing.

Time is frozen like the water over the front window.

But Ryou's tears are hot and cascade down.

"I don't want to be alone!" the wail cuts like a knife; that blanket he weeps on- didn't I thieve it for you, Yadonushi? Isn't that my couch?

"-I'm still here!" shout at him! Make him believe!

I kiss him, hold him, his softness like drugs, like nothing becoming everything.

"-I love you... like winter..." he clutches my arm. I'm the strong one. Needs me!

I hold him tightly. Reply.

Kiss him.

"Love you, Hikari, love..."