Caught

Leila

Christopher studied my face for a long time. I was already thinking about how I would apologize for sticking my big nose into his business. I had no experience in families or death or anything. I licked my lips, feeling very nervous.

“Wow,” he finally said.

I really felt like an ass. I had overstepped. I had made him speechless, and it wasn’t in a good way. “I’m sorry,” I gushed. “I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth. One psychology class does not make me an expert.”

“No, no. You’re amazing.”

“I am?” I squeaked.

He nodded, getting to his feet. “You are.” He stepped close to me, his hands resting on my hips.

“Not that I’m begging for compliments, but why do you say that?”

“Because you very accurately said exactly what I’ve been feeling. This past year has been a mess. It’s just like you said. My life in general is still there, but it’s jumbled. It’s like nothing fits right. Nothing feels right. I think Olin is feeling the same way. We have our health and each other and all our th