It's not a surprise exactly. Surprising only because what's happening is real but the gesture itself feels as natural as breathing. It feels as right as drawing back on a bowstring or running along Scott and his pack. It's Allison and I lean my head up to return the kiss, still shy and chaste in the gesture.

Suddenly, the bed feels warmer, cozier. Allison's presence makes me feel safer and like the nightmares can be chased away. If not forever, then at least for as long as we're tangled up together like this.

Finally, I feel brave again.