Lifespan Deathwatch

[Damien McEwan]

Jaina woke up in the middle of the night, trembling, her eyes wet with tears.

It was just a horrible nightmare she said, and when Nivek came back into the bedroom a few minutes later with a cup of tea for her, he asked if she wanted to talk about it.

She wiped her eyes, thanked him, kissed him on the cheek and told him that the memory had already faded.

He knew her well enough by now to know she was lying to him.

He didn't call her on it, but he ultimately wouldn't allow it to slide either.

It just wasn't the time. All he wanted to do in that moment was take her tea aside and hold onto her until she cried herself back to sleep.

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In the morning, Jaina, still curled up, and resting her head on his chest, knew he was already awake, and said quietly, "On days like this, I really hate my life."

"Are you ready to be honest with me?" he said in a tone that was more of a quiet demand than a question.

"I'm sorry." she told him. tears welling up in her eyes again. "There's just so much I need to tell you that I'm not sure you're ready for."

"Correct me if I'm wrong," he said, "but you trust me, don't you?"

"yes."

He lifted her chin and made her look him in the eye.

"Then please trust me enough to tell me the truth."

Jaina recognized the unspoken ultimatum.

With a deep breath, she said, "Take me to Manhattan and I'll show you the truth."

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