Chapter 8

Ben had spent a day in his house and he was now quite convinced that he was back home and no longer in captivity. It would take a few more days for the nights to look a little different because the darkness as a free man had so much in common with the darkness as a captive - all pitch black and cold. But one thing he was very happy and grateful for was the fact that Tara was spending the night with him. In captivity, he never slept early. So even after midnight, he was still wide awake, checking every now and then to see if she was still there. He had to touch her to make sure and man, was her skin cold. After enduring several such touches in silence, Tara turned and snuggled close.

"I'm not leaving." She murmured in assurance.

"Glad to hear." Ben whispered in reply, expecting to hear the echo of his voice, forgetting that he was no longer in an empty room.

"Hmm." Was her only response and then silence reigned for a few minutes.