Chapter 45 - The Test

The lantern slipped out of her grip and hit the ground. For a second it felt like everything had gone still, so still she couldn't even breathe.

For that second, her world crashed down and built itself back up again.

Eli.

Her mind whispered but her lips were too still with shock to speak. Tears raised to the brim of her lower eyelids.

“Donna.”

Her body moved on its accord and she broke into a race, afraid that if she didn't get to him fast enough, he would disappear with the fog. Scared that he might even be actually there.

She collided into his embrace as his warm arms slided around her, tears streamed down her cheeks and her lips met his that readily moved against hers in a gentle rhythm.

Slow and filled with so many unspoken words.

Her heart tightened with how overwhelming this felt but to pull away and feel his breath warm upon her face made it feel like everything had finally fallen into place.

A bittersweet feeling.