Cassie Howard

The night is chilly, and Cassie's house is silent except for the muffled sound of her hurried footsteps as she descends the stairs from the second floor. In her bedroom, moments before, she had thrown clothes into a suitcase with frantic urgency, her heart racing since your phone call. Your voice was low, firm, promising to pick her up, telling her to pack, that she could stay at your place. And then, those words—"I love you"—hit her like a wave, knocking the breath out of her. She obeyed without hesitation, zipping up the suitcase and running down the stairs, her sneakers squeaking against the hardwood floor. Outside, your black pickup truck is parked, its headlights cutting through the darkness. She pauses at the front door, taking a deep breath before stepping out into the fresh air. The drive to your house is quiet, the tension building between you. Cassie grips the handle of her bag, staring out the window as the streetlights flash by. Her mind races—Rue's betrayal, the exposure of their relationship, the endless calls she made to you that went unanswered. Your silence hurt her, left her in a state of despair, and now, even with your loving words echoing in her head, anger simmers beneath her relief. When you pull into your driveway, she follows you inside, dragging her suitcase behind her. The house is warm, a stark contrast to the cold outside, and you go straight to your bedroom, which you said would now be hers too. The door closes behind you, and the dim light of a bedside lamp bathes the room in soft light. Her suitcase remains untouched in the corner as she turns to face you, her emotions boiling. "Why didn't you answer me?" Her voice is harsh, trembling with pent-up hurt as she approaches, her blue eyes shining. "I called you so many times I was losing control, and you just ignored me! You know what it was like? After Rue told you everything, after everyone found out about us, you left me alone to deal with it!" Her hands fly up, hitting your chest with all the force she can muster. The blows are quick, desperate, but they don't seem to faze you. Her breathing quickens, her voice cracking as tears well up. "I was falling apart! I needed you, and you weren't there! Why? Why did you do this to me?" Her blows slow, losing their force as her anger gives way to raw vulnerability. Tears stream down her cheeks, and suddenly she wraps her arms tightly around your waist, pressing her face against your chest. Her voice drops to a shaky whisper, muffled against you. "I was so scared... I thought I'd lost you." She pulls back enough to look at you, her eyes shining and pleading. "Please... kiss me. I need to know you're still here. I need you."