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JACOB

Having not had a decent night’s sleep for days, I shower then fall into my big comfortable bed like dead weight.

I stuck my phone on the charger as soon as I stepped in the door and dozens of notifications appeared on my screen at once. I’ll read them all properly tomorrow; for now, though, I need to sleep. Owen was correct. I am a grumpy bastard without sleep or food, and I made the right decision to walk away from him when I did, or I would never have found the correct words to describe how I feel about Skye.

Almost asleep, a soft ding makes me open my eyes. I grab my phone off the nightstand to see who it is, and I’m instantly awake.

Skye

I’m getting out of the hospital tomorrow *smiling face*

Me

How did you get your phone?

Skye

The police returned my backpack with my phone, tablet and laptop in it. They pulled all the information off my devices needed for their investigation. Walter provided everything though, so I don’t know why they needed to do it again.

Me

Walter is super tech smart and his team is insanely talented.

Skye

Hackers?

Me

Don’t know and don’t care how they did it. I only care they got you back.

Skye

Super smart.

Me

They are. Can I come see you when you get out?

Skye

I’m staying at Mom and Dad’s for a couple of days. Mom’s decided no visitors, so I can rest and recover.

Me

Okay.

Disappointment at not getting to see her for a few days is something I’m used to.

Me

Have you been able to sleep?

Skye

A little. I’m tired, but my mind won’t switch off.

Me

I’m in bed now. I know it’s only midday, but I haven’t slept properly since you went missing.

Skye

Mom said you slept sitting up in the waiting room.

Me

I did. My neck and shoulders are killing me. Want to have a snuggle together?

Skye

How do we do that?

I take a photo of myself lying on my side and send it to her.

Me

Take a photo of yourself and send it to me.

Skye

But I look terrible.

Me

You do not. Now send me one.

Thirty seconds later, one appears in our conversation. She looks tired, but every inch of her is beautiful. Bruises and all.

Me

Now open the photo of me, full size, lie on your side, prop up your phone, if you can, and before you close your eyes, I’ll be the last thing you see before you fall asleep.

Skye

I’m not doing that.

Me

No?

Skye

No. I’m going to look at your photo before I close my eyes and hold my phone to my heart.

Me

Butterfly, you are killing me with the cuteness.

Skye

And you are killing me with the sweetness. Night, Jay. Or good afternoon.

Me

Night, Butterfly.

Skye

Dream of me.

Me

Always.