Chapter 33

Natalie sat in her white robes on the white sofa watching the flat screen TV. The picture was even grainier, but she could make out what was going on.

Aiden slept in a chair. She couldn't see what else was going on it the room, just Aiden.

He looked exhausted as he stretched out with his gun on his lap. Deep worry lines etched his face, but he looked different. Yes, he looked worried, but he also didn't look angry, nor did he look like he was hurting. He wasn't peaceful by any means, but it seemed things were definitely improving.

She wondered what, or who, was giving him the strength to let go of her. She had always assumed he would just let go on his own accord, but now she wondered. It had to be another woman.

She didn't know how she felt about that. She wanted Aiden to live, not exist, but for her to let him go to another female . . . well, that just hurt.

She found herself standing up and putting her hand over Aiden's face. She remembered how many days she had laid next to him in their bed and watched him sleep. If she looked too long, he would sense it. His eyes would fly open, and after a cursory glance at her to make sure she was okay, he would smile, and then tease her about her not being able to get over his good looks. Yes, he was nice on the eyes, but what she loved about watching him sleep was the way his face actually radiated with happiness and there was a peaceful calm about him. That was the beautiful thing.

She wished she were seeing that now.

Natalie touched the screen again, thinking about how kind he had been. It was almost as if he had existed just to make her happy, and he always found new ways to do that. Breakfast in bed. Letting her pick the movie they watched on TV. Rubbing her shoulders without her asking. And always smiling, always trying to make her laugh.

Natalie heard a light tap coming from the TV, and Aiden flew off the chair, his gun in one hand, and he was reaching behind his back for something else. Startled, Natalie jumped back from the flat screen, frantically looking for the remote. She didn't want to see a fight, and it certainly looked as if this could very well be one.