Ash is asleep in the next moment, with his hand frozen on my cheek. Usually, with anyone else, I would push his hand away because it feels wrong and uncomfortable. But his caress felt good against the slight burn on my skin. And as he rests his hand on my cheek, I can't help but think about how no one has ever held me close to them and made me feel this way. Even though Ash and I are far from holding each other close, just a touch of his hand comforts me in ways that others' hugs have tried and failed.
Without much thinking, I push Ash's fallen hair out of his eyes and rest my hand against his cheek. In the next moment, as my eyes start to droop, I feel a pull of his cheek against my palm and realise he is smiling.
"I thought you were asleep," I mutter bitterly, but I can't seem to wipe the smile off my own face.
