*Vanessa*

It’s the dawn beginning to seep into the apartment that eventually wakes me.

Shawn is still asleep, one arm slung protectively over me. I slip out from under the warmth of his body as carefully as I can, determined not to wake him. I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to maintain my resolve if he wakes up and tries one last time to convince me to stay.

As I get dressed silently, I watch him.

He’s ...