Don’t leave

We sat side by side, leaning into each other.

This is the first feeling his warmth

I hesitate to breath

Not wanting this to end

He leans further, a strand of his hair falling

My eyes widen, my cheeks flush

He’s not even facing me, and I’m losing all sense of self

I tense at the thought

He whispers, “don’t leave”.

I stop breathing.

My heart pounds in my chest for this man

I continue to stare, then bravely lean back

“never”

His eyes close and he exhales deeply

I do not know his pain

But I am here.

Standing steady.

Being a shoulder through his storm.