Page 40 of Heal Me

Danylo moves closer and hugs me. Gently, not like any other hug.

"No matter what happened back then, you have to move on," he whispers.

"I have no right to."

"Everyone deserves to be happy."

"Just not me."

"You especially deserve to be happy, darley."

"What does your tattoo mean?"

"It reminds me of another terrible day in my life. That day it was raining and a bad thunderstorm, so I decided to get a tattoo of lightning."

"Is this your only tattoo?"

"No. I got my first tattoo when I was sixteen."

"And what exactly was it?"

"The numbers 27.11". That's the day my mom died. And it's also my birthday."

For the rest of the night, Danylo and I barely crossed paths, as I started sorting documents and he studied something in the room.

I don't know how he managed to feel it. To feel me. My pain. To read me like a book. No one had ever managed to do that.

In fifteen minutes, our night internship ends, and we won't see each other until next week. Unless, of course, we run into each other at the university.

I go to the room to change and say goodbye to Danylo, but when I get closer, I stop, he is talking to someone.

"And I love you, babe."

"Yes, I know, I'll be back home now, and we'll go out tonight." My heart is clenching.

Why do I feel bad?

"Bye, sweetheart."

I knock on the door.

"Am I disturbing you?"

"No, I'm just leaving," Danylo gets up and takes his backpack. "See you later," he smiles and leaves.

"See you," I say quietly.

Although I have not slept for more than thirty hours, I do not feel physically tired, but mentally... I have been exhausted for years.

I change my clothes, say goodbye to the staff and go to the dormitory. On the way, I eat a bun and talk to my mom. At the dorm, I barely force myself to take a shower and fall into a deep sleep with the last of my strength.

I dream that this time I will not dream about anyone. I dream of finding peace of mind.

Something similar to what I felt yesterday next to Danylo.

Chapter 17

"Are you coming with us, Ami?"

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