She thought she'd finally gotten herself together, but the tears came anyway-hot and heavy, spilling out everything she'd been holding back: her child, her past, her entire world.

She sniffled, voice trembling. "Uncle Rupert..."

"I'm not your Uncle Rupert," Rupert said, frowning in annoyance.

"Uncle Rupert..."

He rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alright, fine. But cut it out with the runny nose, or I can't kiss you."

"Wha-"

He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers before she could finish.

Sylvia froze, her hands instinctively rising, but he caught them, fingers lacing through hers. Her hands trembled in his.

The room was quiet, save for the soft sounds of their breathing, the whispers between their lips.

Sylvia tried to push him away, but she was too weak-she could only stare up at him, wide-eyed.

For a second, she thought she saw something flicker in his dark eyes-a hint of tenderness, gone as quickly as it appeared.

Then he pulled back just a little, voice rough. "Sylvia, who am I?"

Her mind was blank, but his name tumbled out anyway. "Rupert."

smiled, just a little. “That's right. Just remember it's

for her to say anything else he kissed her again, hands moving over her

moments before, was suddenly

head spun, and just when she thought she couldn't take

head for a moment to steady himself, then reached over and flicked on

favorite. You haven't eaten in days, so

of oatmeal. She only made it when Sylvia

pictured her mother's face, grimacing over another

but feel a mix of sadness

Rupert, please, save the dad jokes," she muttered. "Call me by my name," Rupert said, stirring the oatmeal.

"Oh,

on.

Since when do

care

we

not in China or something-everyone calls each other by their

held out a spoonful, eyes fixed on

grumbling,

low. "You called out for me,

between them felt

ducked her head, rubbing her stomach. "I'm

there was a knock at the

in!" Sylvia called, opening her

at Rupert as he fed Sylvia oatmeal like it was the most normal thing in

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255