Breathe. Through your nose, not your already drybone mouth. Breathe, a little slower than you want to. Facilitating sleep. Facsimileing. Whichever.

Ignore the ridge that marks the edge of the mattress. Don’t shift again- you already kicked off the covers, convinced they were pulling you back towards the- warmth -center of the bed.

Close your eyes. Don’t think. Don’t move. Don’t touch. Breathe.

And if you hear a whispered word as he exhales, it’s probably just your imagination.

There are good reasons for him to be here.

But tomorrow you’ll ask him if you can’t take turns in the bed.

***End
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