I couldn’t believe he’d actually stayed. I’d expected him to run away after he found out about my dad—so far, every time things have gotten emotional he’s bailed. Yet here he was, lying next to me. He’d given up his spring break trip…for me. I leaned into his shoulder. “Thank you for staying with me.” He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead. “Always.” I felt the tear roll down my face, onto his shoulder. He tilted my face up to his. “Hey, why are you crying,” he said as he gently wiped it away. “Besides Em, I’m just so used to being alone when it comes to dealing with my dad. I guess it’s just nice… to not be alone.” I tried to smile up at him, but winced as my lip stretched. Caleb got up. “Let me get you something for the pain.” I started to move off of the bed. “I’m alright, I can get them.” He walked back over to me and sat me back down. “You stay right there, and let me take care of you.” He walked out of the room and came back a few minutes later with a few Advil and a glass of water.
