[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[justdidntseeit]

[ "three days." ]
Kate's asleep on her side in Boo's too-small bed, neck bent at an awkward angle. One arm is draped around Boo's snoring form, and the fingers of her free hand are still loosely curled around a dog-eared paperback on the pink comforter. An impressive assortment of Boo's books litter the floor, and a small stack is perched

Comments

[wheelsy_sheriff]

He's been downstairs a long time after talking with Ramon. Coming back up the first thing he does, once the door's been closed and locked, is check on Kate and Boo.

Kate doesn't look very comfortable, or like she's sleeping very well, but he's hesitant to wake her. Neither of them has been sleeping much lately and what he has to tell her isn't something he'd like to rouse her for.

Quietly he pulls a chair over from across the room, sitting beside the bed and just watches the two of them.

Please don't let what I'm doin' hurt them. Please.

[justdidntseeit]

She shifts, restless, and Goodnight Moon cascades to the carpet, followed by Frog and Toad Are Friends and Olivia Saves the Circus.

Breathing a soft sigh at the sounds, she opens her eyes and squints against the low lamplight.

When did I fall asleep?

She eases onto her back, careful not to jostle Boo, and -

Hoarsely, "Sweetheart?"

She licks her lips and focuses on him.

"Whatcha doing?"

[wheelsy_sheriff]

"Nothin'. M'just -- "

He shrugs his left shoulder and shakes his head. His voice is soft, and a little rough, and he works his throat to clear it.

"Y'all were sleepin'."

[justdidntseeit]

"I didn't mean to."

She sits up, carefully untangling herself from a Boo-sized arm; when Boo stirs, Kate strokes Boo's hair until the toddler settles and the snoring resumes.

She stands, smoothing her palm down her yoga pants and running a hand through her bedhead; her fingers fall to her neck and she winces slightly, rubbing at the tense muscles.

"Is it late?"