AMELIA
"Hi," Damian said tentatively as he walked into the living room.
"Hello," I said, hurrying and making space for him on the couch.
He chose the couch farthest from me, and I fought the brief flare of annoyance. I understood him better now. He had endured my hug last night, but it would take him much more than twelve hours, maybe even a lifetime, to heal from his mental and emotional scars.
"How do you feel?" he asked quietly as his eyes roved over my face and body.
"Better. Much better."
And I actually was. After forcing down some food and taking some painkillers last night, the aches in my body had reduced and were almost non-existent now. An ice pack had helped reduce the swelling on my face. All the evidence of last night was my slightly bruised lips and tiny cuts, which I
