Page 31 of Making Haven
“So,” Devin says, breaking the silence. He picks at the side of his finger, looking more nervous than I’ve ever seen him. “I did findsomethingsort of interesting.”
“Okay,” I say slowly, giving him a moment to continue.
“Maybe it would be better just to show you instead of trying to explain it.” He stands up, walking to the other side of the room and pulling something from the closet. He tucks it behind his back but before he does, I get a glimpse of what I can only describe as a giant piece of wood.
“Is it a sex thing? God, I hope it’s a sex thing.”
“It’s not! Jesus, Lawrence, get your head out of the gutter.”
“Sorry. It’s hard to. Have youseenyourself?”
Devin rolls his eyes but there’s a tiny smirk on his face. He’s been smiling more lately. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not all sunshine and rainbows. He’s still an asshole more times than not. But there’s been a change in him, like he’s letting himself relax just the tiniest bit.
“Get your horny ass outside. Come on.”
I playfully groan before heading back through the house and out the front door. Devin follows behind, keeping the giant wood behind his back. It makes walking incredibly awkward for him but I’m not gonna ruin the moment by asking him if he needs help.
We walk all the way down the path towards the front of our neighborhood, down where the giant gates to get inside are located. Devin pushes through before turning back towards the entrance. He pulls the giant wooden piece out from behind his back, getting it hooked onto some hooks that I’ve never noticed before.
Oh. It’s a sign.
“Welcome to Haven,” he says, holding up his hand and gesturing towards the sign. “Is this something that used to be here? Maybe it’s stupid, but you never said if this neighborhood had a name and I saw the sign and it felt fitting, you know? Our own little safe Haven.”
I take a step back and properly take it in. I have no idea why they had this sign in their storage but I’m glad they did because I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more perfect, except maybe Devin naked.
“Devin,” I say softly, finally looking over at him. “It’s perfect.”
I open my arms and Devin steps into them, wrapping his arms around me just as tightly. “Maybe we’ll be alone forever but I wanted anyone who stumbles into this place to know they’re welcome here. That it’s asafeplace, you know?”
“I understand. I have no idea who’s out there still. We never found out who placed those traps. Every trail has gone cold, but if there’s anyone around here, they’ll find us. We’ll be able to keep them safe as best as we can.” We take a moment just staring at the sign. “Someday, I could see us having a real neighborhood again.”
“I hope so,” Devin whispers, turning towards me and kissing my cheek. “It wasn’t that long ago that I didn’t dare let myself hope for more than tomorrow. With you though, it feels easy to hope for so much more.”
“I’m glad because I feel the same about you. I love you, Devin.”
“I love you too,” he says before kissing my lips. The sun is getting ready to crest over the horizon so we can’t stay out here much longer. We take in the sign for just a little bit longer before heading home.
Our home that’s located in the neighborhood of Haven, where any survivors are welcome. Who knows who might find us but if they do, they’ll have a safe haven.
The End