I Feel Whole

Eva

After we've finished the bottle, we have decided I need a first tattoo and I am getting one. Tomorrow. We are lying on the bed, my head on his lap. Nathan checks quickly and finds a place.

"They should be open. I don't know if they'll have available spots, but..."

"But you are persuasive".

Nathan smirks.

"Well, I can be."

My eyelids are getting heavier by the minute, but I'm trying to stay awake. I hear rustling from him and see he's looking for his cigarettes.

"I thought you quit."

I say, sleepy.

"I am."

Nathan says quietly. "I'll go out and..."He tries to get up, but I squeeze his tight lightly.

"No, stay here."

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Of course I am."

I hear the sound his zippo makes, then I catch the scent of the smoke coming from his burning cigarette. The TV is still on, and the only light in the room comes from its screen, painting the whole room with the blue-is light. The sound of Nathan's quiet voice lulls me to sleep.

I think he's asking me something, and