I hadn’t really eaten much, though, and my stomach gurgled, protesting the fact that I’d had only a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and nothing else all day.
I went into the fridge, thinking that Elliot probably also needed to eat, even if he didn’t want to. I pulled out the makings for sandwiches—turkey, mayo, lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese for Elliot. I made us each a few sandwiches, stacked them on some small plates, and carried them into the bedroom. I set the plate with Elliot’s sandwiches on the table beside where he lay, then took mine to my side of the bed.
I set the plate down, then got under the covers, sitting up against the headboard, my legs covered by the bedding.
I reached out and ran a hand over Elliot’s head. “El?”
He made a small sound.
“You should eat something,” I said softly, stroking his hair.
He grumbled a little.
“Elliot.”
One hazel eye opened and squinted up at me. “Why?”
“Because adrenaline with no food does a number on you. I made us sandwiches.”
I helped him sit up, still grumbling, but he ate quickly, clearly hungry.
“More?” I asked, when he finished—I was almost done with mine, too.
But he shook his head. “I just want to sleep.”
“Okay,” I agreed.
I took both plates back to the kitchen, then put them in the dishwasher before coming back to bed.
I thought Elliot was already asleep, but when I lay down on my side of the bed, he immediately snuggled close, his injured arm resting on my chest, his head on my shoulder. I reached up with my hand and gently stroked his hair, then pressed a kiss to his forehead.
“I love you,” I whispered into his skin.
“Love you,” he half-grumbled back, and despite everything, I felt myself smile in the darkness.
37
Elliot Crane
Val and Taavi are here!
Seth Mays
Since when?
They got in last night, but I wasn’t looking at my phone.
Val called a little after you left.
Is it okay if they stay a while?
Of course!
Your brother won’t mind?
Noah’s friends with Taavi.
:)
