Page 132 of Lyric Squared

And I took my time going around every curve.

I was in no rush at all. Lyric had suffered enough. I wouldn’t allow her to suffer more as a result of my negligence.

“You alright?” I asked her as we pulled into the garage.

She nodded. “Yeah. I think I’m okay.”

“Come on. Let me get you out so we can go inside.”

I was on the other side in a flash, pulling Lyric’s door open and helping her out of the car. Instinctively, my arms went around her body, pulling her close and holding onto her as if she’d vanish.

She’s mine.

All mine.

“I love you,” I reminded her.

“I love you,” she wept in my arms.

“I’m gonna take good care of you, baby. I’m gonna make sure you’re alright.”

“I know.”

I kissed her lips once.

Twice.

And then a final time before taking her by the hand. I led her into our home where she halted by the garage door. One hand went across her chest. The other went on her forehead. Then, it fell to her mouth.

“What is it?”

Tears cascade down her cheeks. She was an emotional wreck. It didn’t matter. I was ready to wipe those tears and remind her that we were in this together.

“I just– I feel weakened, yet so free. Liberated. I–I just… I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.”

“Don’t cry.”

I thumbed her tears away.

“Are you hungry?”

She shook her head.

“You have to eat, baby.”

“I don’t have an appetite.”

“How about we at least share a plate. If you love it enough, I can make us a second one. Sounds doable?”

“Yes. But, can I shower first?”

“Yeah. Yeah. Then, I’ll whip us up something quick.”

“Okay.”

***

I watched as Lyric twirled around the kitchen. She was so different from the woman who had walked through the garage door two weeks ago. Still, she was healing, but she was in better spirits.