Page 76 of Monster in Disguise

"Are you okay?" she asks, her voice full of softness and concern.

Forme.

A monster who doesn’t deserve an iota of compassion.

I can only nod in response, unable to find the words to express the turmoil inside me.

I bring her hand to my lips and press a tender kiss against her skin, grateful for the small comfort she offers.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice heavy with emotion.

She smiles softly, shaking her head. "There's no need to thank me. We're family."

The word catches in my throat, foreign and unfamiliar. Our definitions of family are worlds apart—for me, it has always been synonymous with pain and suffering. But for her, it seems to hold so much more meaning.

As she continues to hold my hand, she moves closer until we are both leaning against a bookcase. She stretches out her legs in a relaxed pose, and I follow suit, mirroring her movements.

"Can I ask why you hate being touched?" Her voice is gentle and understanding, like a soothing balm for my troubled soul.

I take a deep breath before answering honestly, "My childhood was... difficult. There were things that happened..." I trail off, unable to reveal the full extent of my past trauma.

"It's okay," she whispers, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to tell me now. But just know that I'm here for you, if you ever need anything."

Her words bring tears to my eyes, and I clasp her hand tightly in mine. "Thank you," I choke out.

We sit in a comfortable silence for some time, and I realize that in this moment with her by my side, I feel more at peace than I ever have before.

Catalina shifts nervously, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she looks down at the ground. "I have a confession to make," she begins, struggling to find the right words.

My heart races with worry. What could she possibly have to say that would make her so flustered?

"There's nothing you could say that would make me mad, Lina," I assure her, trying to ease her nerves. A small smile eventually tugs at the corners of her lips.

"I like it when you call me Lina," she whispers almost sheepishly.

"Then Lina it is," I reply with a warm smile.

She takes a deep breath before continuing, "A week or so ago, I was in the kitchen late at night and... I heard you."

Those words send a chill down my spine. She heard me? She knows about my nightmares?

"You heard me," I manage to choke out, feeling vulnerable and exposed.

"You were having a nightmare," she explains softly, and I close my eyes in shame.

It's true. I've suffered from horrific night terrors for as long as I can remember. Most nights, strong medication helps me fall into a dreamless sleep, but even then... The thought that Catalina would have heard me at my worst makes me feel sick to my stomach.

"I didn't mean to intrude, but I was worried about you. So I entered your room. I'm sorry," she adds earnestly.

My mind races with fear and guilt. Did I hurt her? Did I do something unforgivable while lost in the grips of terror?

"Did I... Did I do anything?" I ask, desperate for answers. My lack of control during these episodes haunts me.

"You..." Catalina hesitates before finally confessing, "You kissed me." Her voice is barely above a whisper.

"I kissed you?" The words leave my mouth in disbelief. I kissed her... and I don't remember a single thing about it.

I let out a muffled curse.

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